Display device, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a cover window including a curved portion, and a panel member laminated on the cover window. A method of manufacturing a display device includes mounting a cover window including a curved portion on a first jig including a curved portion, mounting a panel member on a second jig that conforms to a surface of the first jig, and laminating the cover window to the panel member by moving a first one of the first jig or the second jig to a first other one of the first jig or the second jig. An apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes a first jig including a mount surface that is partially curved to conform to a surface of a cover window, a second jig including a surface conforming to the mount surface and configured to contact a panel member, and a driving unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2012-0071375, filed on Jun. 29, 2012 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, Korean Patent Application No.10-2013-0014650, filed on Feb. 8, 2013 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0062110,filed on May 30, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, theentire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

Aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to a displaydevice, and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the display device.

Description of the Related Art

Electronic devices based on portability are widely used. Portableelectronic devices that have recently been widely used include smallelectronic devices such as mobile phones as well as tablet personalcomputers (PCs). In order to support various functions, portableelectronic devices include a display device for providing visualinformation such as an image to a user. Recently, as sizes of componentsfor driving display devices have decreased, the importance of displaydevices in electronic devices has increased. Accordingly, displaydevices (such as flexible display devices) that bend at a set angle (forexample, a predetermined angle) have been developed.

In general, flexible display devices that may bend at a set angle may bemanufactured using a flexible process, such as being flexiblymanufactured. Since a flexible display device may be formed of aflexible material, the flexible display device may have any of variousshapes. A flexible display device may be manufactured by forming alight-emitting unit on a substrate to form a display unit, and sealingthe display unit by using an encapsulation unit, which may increase alifetime of the display unit. The substrate may be formed of a flexiblematerial, and the encapsulation unit may be formed, for example, as asubstrate or a thin film. As designs of electronic devices have recentlybeen diversified, demands for flexible display devices have increased.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a display device havinga curved shape (for example, having an arc shape or a degree ofcurvature) that may enable efficient mass production, high reliability,and high quality. Further embodiments provide for a method and apparatusfor manufacturing the display device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device isprovided. The display device includes a cover window including a curvedportion, and a panel member laminated on the cover window.

The panel member may be smaller in at least one of a length or a widththan the cover window.

The display device may further include an adhesive layer between thepanel member and the cover window.

The cover window may further include a flat portion extending from thecurved portion.

The panel member may be laminated entirely on the flat portion.

The curved portion may include a plurality of curved portions.

The panel member may include a first panel portion laminated on the flatportion, and a second panel portion extending in a curved shape from thefirst panel portion and laminated on the curved portion.

The cover window may have a curved surface having a curvature radius.

A curvature radius of a portion of the cover window may be differentfrom a curvature radius of another portion of the cover window.

The panel member may be formed on a recessed outer surface of the coverwindow or a protruding outer surface of the cover window.

The panel member may include at least one of a display panel or a touchscreen panel (TSP).

The panel member may be flexible.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method ofmanufacturing a display device is provided. The method includes mountinga cover window including a curved portion on a first jig including acurved portion, mounting a panel member on a second jig that conforms toa surface of the first jig, and laminating the cover window to the panelmember by moving a first one of the first jig or the second jig to afirst other one of the first jig or the second jig.

At least a portion of the panel member may contact a surface of thesecond jig.

The panel member may be bent along an outer surface of the second jigduring the mounting of the panel member on the second jig.

The panel member may be smaller in at least one of a length or a widththan the cover window.

The panel member may be flat during the mounting of the panel member onthe second jig. The laminating of the cover window to the panel membermay include partially curving the panel member by the moving of thefirst one of the first jig or the second jig.

The first one of the first jig or the second jig may be above the firstother one of the first jig or the second jig, or the first other one ofthe first jig or the second jig may be above the first one of the firstjig or the second jig.

A second one of the first jig or the second jig may be formed byprotruding toward or recessing away from a second other one of the firstjig or the second jig.

The second other one of the first jig or the second jig may be formed byrecessing away from or protruding toward the second one of the first jigor the second jig.

The mounting of the panel member may include fixing the panel member tothe second jig.

The panel member may be flexible.

Outer surfaces of the cover window and the first jig may be curvedsurfaces each having a curvature radius.

A curvature radius of a portion of the cover window may be differentfrom a curvature radius of another portion of the cover window. Acurvature radius of a portion of an outer surface of the first jig maybe different from a curvature radius of another portion of the outersurface of the first jig.

The panel member may be attached to a recessed outer surface of thecover window or a protruding outer surface of the cover window.

The panel member may include at least one of a display panel or a touchscreen panel (TSP).

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus for manufacturing a display device is provided. The apparatusincludes a first jig including a mount surface that is partially curvedto conform to a surface of a cover window, a second jig including asurface conforming to the mount surface and configured to contact apanel member, and a driving unit connected to a first one of the firstjig or the second jig and configured to move the first one of the firstjig or the second jig.

The first jig may further include a first fixing unit for fixing thecover window to the mount surface. The second jig may further include asecond fixing unit for fixing the panel member to the surface conformingto the mount surface.

The first fixing unit or the second fixing unit may include anabsorption unit, and an absorption pump for evacuating air from theabsorption unit.

The apparatus may further include a cushion unit at an outer surface ofat least one of the first jig or the second jig.

The cushion unit may include a plurality of cushion units at respectiveends of the at least one of the first jig or the second jig. A distancebetween the cushion units may be less than at least one of a length or awidth of the panel member.

A second one of the first jig or the second jig may be formed byprotruding toward or recessing away from another one of the first jig orthe second jig.

The other one of the first jig or the second jig may be formed byrecessing away from or protruding toward the second one of the first jigor the second jig.

An outer surface of the cover window and an outer surface of the firstjig on which the cover window is configured to be seated may be curvedsurfaces each having a curvature radius.

A curvature radius of a portion of the cover window may be differentfrom a curvature radius of another portion of the cover window. Acurvature radius of a portion of an outer surface of the first jig onwhich the cover window is configured to be seated may be different froma curvature radius of another portion of the outer surface of the firstjig.

The panel member may be configured to be attached to a recessed outersurface of the cover window or a protruding outer surface of the coverwindow.

The panel member may include at least one of a display panel or a touchscreen panel (TSP).

The apparatus may further include a clamping unit spaced from the secondjig and configured to support the panel member.

The clamping unit may include a plurality of clamping units. A distancebetween the clamping units may be less than at least one of a length ora width of the panel member when the clamping units support the panelmember.

The apparatus may further include a linear driving unit coupled to theclamping unit and configured to linearly move the clamping unit.

The linear driving unit may be further configured to linearly move theclamping unit in a same direction as a moving direction of the secondjig.

The linear driving unit may be further configured to linearly move theclamping unit in a diagonal direction of a moving direction of thesecond jig.

At least one of the first jig or the second jig may further include acushion unit at an outer surface of the at least one of the first jig orthe second jig.

A second one of the first jig or the second jig may be formed byprotruding toward or recessing away from another one of the first jig orthe second jig.

The other one of the first jig or the second jig may be formed byprotruding toward or recessing away from the second one of the first jigor the second jig.

An outer surface of the cover window and an outer surface of the firstjig on which the cover window is configured to be seated may be curvedsurfaces each having a curvature radius.

A curvature radius of a portion of the cover window may be differentfrom a curvature radius of another portion of the cover window. Acurvature radius of a portion of an outer surface of the jig on whichthe cover window is configured to be seated may be different from acurvature radius of another portion of the outer surface of the firstjig.

The panel member may be configured to be attached to a recessed outersurface of the cover window or a protruding outer surface of the coverwindow.

The panel member may include least one of a display panel or a touchscreen panel (TSP).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and aspects of the present invention willbecome more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodimentsthereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel of thedisplay device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 4A through 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing the display device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 7A through 7C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing the display device of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 5 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A through 9C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method ofmanufacturing the display device of FIG. 5 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 5 according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturingthe display device of FIG. 5 according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 5 according to still yetanother embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturingthe display device of FIG. 5 according to still yet another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display deviceaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 14 , according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 14 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 14 , according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 14 , according to still yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display deviceaccording to still yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 19 , according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 19 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 19 , according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 19 , according to still yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display deviceaccording to still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 24 , according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 24 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 24 , according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 24 , according to still yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display deviceaccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 29 , according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 29 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 29 , according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 29 , according to still yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display deviceaccording to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 34 , according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 34 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 34 , according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus formanufacturing the display device of FIG. 34 , according to still yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as being limited to theembodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided to makethis disclosure more thorough, and to help convey concepts of theinvention to one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology usedherein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intendedto be limiting of the present invention.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “atleast one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire listof elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that, althoughthe terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describevarious elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element from anotherelement.

In the embodiments of the present invention, examples of display devicesinclude various display devices. For example, examples of displaydevices include liquid crystal display devices and organiclight-emitting display devices. However, for convenience of description,it will be assumed that the display devices are organic light-emittingdisplay devices. Herein, the use of the term “may,” when describingembodiments of the present invention, refers to “one or more embodimentsof the present invention.” In addition, the use of alternative language,such as “or,” when describing embodiments of the present invention,refers to “one or more embodiments of the present invention” for eachcorresponding item listed.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is across-sectional view illustrating a display panel 130 of the displaydevice 100 of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the display device 100 includes a coverwindow 110, a panel member (for example, display panel 130), and anadhesive layer 120. In FIG. 1 , the cover window 110 is partiallycurved. That is, the cover window 110 has a flat portion 111 (on whichthe display panel 130 is laminated, with the adhesive layer 120therebetween) and at least one end of the flat portion 111 is curved(e.g., a curved portion 112). As shown in FIG. 1 , both ends of the flatportion 111 are curved (e.g., two curved portions 112). As depicted, thecover window 110 includes the flat portion 111 and curved portions 112that extend from the flat portion 111. The curved portions 112 areformed on both ends of the flat portion 111.

The panel member may include at least one of the display panel 130 or atouch screen panel (TSP). In one embodiment, the panel member mayinclude only the display panel 130 and may be attached to the coverwindow 110. In another embodiment, the panel member may include only theTSP and may be attached to the cover window 110. In yet anotherembodiment, the panel member may include the display panel 130 and theTSP, and may be attached to the cover window 110. However, forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the panel memberincludes only the display panel 130.

The display panel 130 may be flexible. The display panel 130 may beformed such that a size of the display panel 130 is different from asize of the cover window 110. As shown, the display panel 130 is smallerthan the cover window 110. For example, the display panel 130 is shorterin the at least one of a length or a width than the cover window 110(due to the inward curvature of the cover window 110). For convenienceof description, it will be assumed that the display panel 130 is shorterin width than the cover window 110 as described below in further detail.For example, the display panel 130 may be laminated entirely on the flatportion 111 (and not on any of the curved portions 112). The displaypanel 130 includes a first substrate S and a light-emitting unit.

The display panel 130 may include an encapsulation unit B formed on thelight-emitting unit. The encapsulation unit B may be formed as a thinfilm. In another embodiment, the encapsulation unit B may include asecond substrate instead of or in addition to a thin film. Forconvenience of description, however, it will be assumed that theencapsulation unit B is formed as a thin film.

In FIG. 2 , the light-emitting unit is formed on the first substrate S.The light-emitting unit includes a thin film transistor (TFT, in thiscase a driving TFT), a passivation film 131 formed to cover the TFT, andan organic light-emitting device, such as an organic light emittingdiode (OLED) 138 formed on the passivation film 131. The first substrateS may be formed of a glass material, but the present invention is notlimited thereto and, in other embodiments, the first substrate S may beformed of a plastic material or a metal material such as steel usestainless (SUS, or stainless steel) or titanium (Ti). In anotherembodiment, the first substrate S may include polyimide (PI). Forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the first substrateS is formed of PI.

A buffer layer 132 formed of an organic compound and/or an inorganiccompound such as SiOx (x≥1) or SiNx (x≥1) is formed on a top surface ofthe first substrate S. An active layer 133 having a set pattern (forexample, a predetermined pattern) is formed on the buffer layer 132, andthen is covered by a gate insulating layer 134. The active layer 133includes a source region 133 a and a drain region 133 c, and a channelregion 133 b located between the source region 133 a and the drainregion 133 c. The active layer 133 may be formed by forming an amorphoussilicon film on the buffer layer 132, crystallizing the amorphoussilicon film to form a polycrystalline silicon film, and patterning thepolycrystalline silicon film. The source and drain regions 133 a and 133c of the active layer 133 are doped with impurities according to a typeof the TFT such as a driving TFT (for example, driving TFT in FIG. 2 )or a switching TFT.

A gate electrode 135 corresponding to the channel region 113 b of theactive layer 133 and an interlayer insulating layer 136 covering thegate electrode 135 are formed on a top surface of the gate insulatinglayer 134. After contact holes (for example, via-hole H1) are formed inthe interlayer insulating layer 136 and the gate insulating layer 134, asource electrode 137 a and a drain electrode 137 b are formed on theinterlayer insulating layer 136 to respectively contact the sourceregion 133 a and the drain region 133 c.

In some embodiments, a reflective film is formed at the same time (forexample, in the same layer) as the source/drain electrodes 137 a and 137b are formed as described above. Accordingly, each of the source/drainelectrodes 137 a and 137 b may be formed of a material having highelectrical conductivity and having a thickness great enough to reflectlight. Each of the source/drain electrodes 137 a and 137 b may be formedof a metal material such as silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al),platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd),iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or a compoundor alloy thereof.

The passivation film 131 is formed on the TFT. Then a pixel electrode138 a of the OLED 138 is formed on the passivation film 131. The pixelelectrode 138 a contacts the drain electrode 137 b of the TFT through avia-hole H2 formed in the passivation film 131. The passivation film 131may be formed of an inorganic material and/or an organic material andhave a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. As shown inFIG. 2 , the passivation film 131 is formed as a planarization filmhaving a flat top surface regardless of any roughness or irregularitiesof a bottom surface. The passivation film 131 may be formed of atransparent insulating material to achieve a resonance effect.

After the pixel electrode 138 a is formed on the passivation film 131, apixel-defining film 139 is formed of an organic material and/or aninorganic material to cover the pixel electrode 138 a and thepassivation film 131, and is opened to expose the pixel electrode 138 a.An organic light-emitting layer 138 b and a counter electrode 138 c areformed on at least the pixel electrode 138 a. The pixel electrode 138 afunctions as an anode and the counter electrode 138 c functions as acathode, or vice versa.

The pixel electrode 138 a may be formed of a material having a high workfunction, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO),In₂O₃, or ZnO. The counter electrode 138 c may be formed of a metalmaterial having a low work function such as Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni,Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, or a compound or alloy thereof. For example, thecounter electrode 138 c may be formed of Mg, Ag, or Al to have a smallthickness to function as a semi-transmissive reflective film.Accordingly, the counter electrode 138 c may optically resonate totransmit light.

The pixel electrode 138 a and the counter electrode 138 c are insulatedfrom each other by the organic light-emitting layer 138 b, and applyvoltages of different polarities to the organic light-emitting layer 138b for the organic light-emitting layer 138 b to emit light. The organiclight-emitting layer 138 b may be formed of a low molecular weightorganic material or a high molecular weight organic material.

If the organic light-emitting layer 138 b is formed of a low molecularweight organic material, the light-emitting layer 138 b may have asingle-layer or multi-layer structure formed by stacking a holeinjection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer(EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injectionlayer (EIL). Examples of the low molecular weight organic materialinclude copper phthalocyanine (CuPc),N,N′-Di(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N′-diphenyl-benzidine (NPB), andtris-8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3). The low molecular weightorganic material is formed by using vacuum deposition. The HIL, the HTL,the ETL, and the EIL may be commonly applied to red, green, and bluepixels. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the common layers may coverall pixels, like the counter electrode 138 c.

If the organic light-emitting layer 138 b is formed of a high molecularweight organic material, the organic light-emitting layer 138 b may havea structure including an HTL and an EML. The HTL may be formed ofpoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and the EML may be formed of ahigh molecular weight organic material based on polyphenylene vinylene(PPV) or polyfluorene. The high molecular weight organic material may beformed by using screen printing or inkjet printing. The organiclight-emitting layer 138 b is not limited thereto, and various examplesmay be formed, applied, deposited, etc., as would be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art.

The encapsulation unit B may be formed as a thin film as describedabove. In further detail, the encapsulation unit B may be formed byalternately stacking at least one organic layer and at least oneinorganic layer. In some embodiments, a plurality of inorganic layers ora plurality of organic layers may be provided.

The organic layer may be formed of a polymer, and may have asingle-layer structure or a multi-layer structure formed of one or moreselected from the group including polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide,polycarbonate, epoxy, polyethylene, and polyacrylate. In one embodiment,the organic layer may be formed of polyacrylate. In further detail, theorganic layer may be formed by polymerizing a monomer compositionincluding a diacrylate-based monomer and a triacrylate-based monomer. Amonoacrylate-based monomer may be further included in the monomercomposition. In one embodiment, a well-known photoinitiator such as TPOmay be further included in the monomer composition, but otherembodiments of the present embodiment are not necessarily limitedthereto.

The inorganic layer may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layerstructure including a metal oxide or a metal nitride. In further detail,the inorganic layer may include one or more selected from the groupincluding SiNx, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and TiO₂. In one embodiment, an uppermostlayer of the encapsulation unit B that is exposed to the outside may bean inorganic layer to reduce or prevent moisture from penetrating intothe organic light-emitting device.

The encapsulation unit B may have at least one sandwich structure inwhich at least one organic layer is inserted between at least twoinorganic layers. In another embodiment, the encapsulation unit B mayhave at least one sandwich structure in which at least one inorganiclayer is inserted between at least two organic layers.

The encapsulation unit B may include a first inorganic layer, a firstorganic layer, and a second inorganic layer that are sequentiallystacked on the display unit. In another embodiment, the encapsulationunit B may include a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, asecond inorganic layer, a second organic layer, and a third inorganiclayer that are sequentially stacked on the light-emitting unit. Inanother embodiment, the encapsulation unit B may include a firstinorganic layer, a first organic layer, a second inorganic layer, asecond organic layer, a third inorganic layer, a third organic layer,and a fourth inorganic layer that are sequentially stacked on thelight-emitting unit.

A halogenated metal layer including LiF may be further disposed betweenthe light-emitting unit and the first inorganic layer. The halogenatedmetal layer may reduce or prevent the light-emitting unit from beingdamaged when the first inorganic layer is formed by using sputtering orplasma deposition.

The first organic layer may have an area smaller than that of the secondinorganic layer, and the second organic layer may have an area smallerthan that of the third inorganic layer. In one embodiment, the firstorganic layer may be completely covered by the second inorganic layer,and the second organic layer may be completely covered by the thirdinorganic layer.

The encapsulation unit B may include a second substrate as describedabove. The second substrate may be formed similarly to the firstsubstrate S. For example, the second substrate may be formed of a glassmaterial, but like the first substrate S, the present invention is notlimited thereto and, in other embodiments, the second substrate may beformed of a different material, such as a plastic material.

The display device 100 may include a touch panel formed on the displaypanel 130 as described above. The touch panel may be located between thedisplay panel 130 and the adhesive layer 120. In other embodiments, thetouch panel may be a panel positioned on the display panel 130. Forexample, the touch panel may be formed on the encapsulation unit B. Inanother embodiment, the touch panel may be formed on the cover window110 to have a panel shape or to have a pattern. As a method of forming atouch panel is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art, adetailed description thereof will not be given. In addition, forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that a touch panel is notformed on the display panel 130.

The display device 100 includes the adhesive layer 120 that is locatedbetween the display panel 130 and the cover window 110. The adhesivelayer 120 may be variously formed. For example, the adhesive layer 120may include an adhesive film such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA)film or an adhesive material.

The adhesive layer 120 may have the same size as the display panel 130.In other embodiments, the adhesive layer 120 may be smaller than thedisplay panel 130. The adhesive layer 120 is attached to one surface ofthe display panel 130 to laminate the display panel 130 to the coverwindow 110. For example, the adhesive layer 120 may be applied to theencapsulation unit B.

Accordingly, the display device 100 that is partially curved may beattached to various electronic devices, and may easily display imageshaving various shapes. A method of manufacturing the display device 100will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 through 4C.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 200 formanufacturing the display device 100 of FIG. 1 according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4A through 4C arecross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing the displaydevice 100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The same elements as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the samereference numerals.

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 4C, the apparatus 200 includes a first jig210 that is partially curved and has a mount surface 211 that conformsto one surface of the cover window 110. In FIGS. 3 through 4C, the firstjig 210 has a shape similar to that of the cover window 110. That is,the mount surface 211 of the first jig 210 is curved. In addition, themount surface 211 has a flat portion on which the flat portion 111 ofthe cover window is mounted and the mount surface 211 has curvedportions on which the curved portions 112 of the cover window aremounted. For example, the mount surface 211 may be formed by beingrecessed in the first jig 210.

The apparatus 200 includes a second jig 220 that detachably couples tothe first jig 210. One surface of the second jig 220 conforms to themount surface 211. In FIGS. 3 through 4C, one surface of the second jig220 is curved in places to conform to the portions of the mount surface211 that are curved, and is flat in places to conform to the portion ofthe mount surface 211 that is flat. That is, the second jig 220 iscurved such that the second jig 220 protrudes toward the first jig 210.The display panel 130 is mounted on the flat surface of the second jig220.

At least one of the first jig 210 or the second jig 220 may be formed ofan elastic material. In addition, at least one of the first jig 210 orthe second jig 220 may be formed of a hard material.

In particular, the elastic material may be a soft material having anelastic force such as silicon, rubber, or a soft synthetic resin. Thehard material may be a material having a high hardness such asreinforced plastic or a metal.

Materials of the first jig 210 and the second jig 220 may be selected invarious ways. For example, the first jig 210 may be formed of a metaland the second jig 220 may be formed of silicon. In another embodiment,the first jig 210 may be formed of rubber and the second jig 220 may beformed of plastic. However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that both the first jig 210 and the second jig 220 are formed ofhard materials.

The apparatus 200 may include a driving unit (such as second drivingunit 225) that is connected to at least one of the first jig 210 or thesecond jig 220, and that moves the corresponding at least one of thefirst jig 210 or the second jig 220. The driving unit may include afirst driving unit that moves the first jig 210 and the second drivingunit 225 that moves the second jig 220. The first driving unit and thesecond driving unit 225 may be formed similarly. For convenience ofdescription, it will be assumed that the second driving unit 225 isprovided.

The second driving unit 225 may include any of various devices. Forexample, the second driving unit 225 may include a cylinder thatoperates by air pressure or oil pressure to move the second jig 220. Inother embodiments, the second driving unit 225 may include a motor thatoperates by electricity to move the second jig 220. For convenience ofdescription, it will be assumed that the second driving unit 225includes a cylinder.

The apparatus 200 includes a fixing unit (for example, second fixingunit 240) that prevents or helps prevent the cover window 110 mounted onthe first jig 210 from moving, or that prevents or helps prevent thedisplay panel 130 and the adhesive layer 120 mounted on the second jig220 from separating from the second jig 220. The fixing unit includes anabsorption unit (for example, second absorption unit 241) that is formedon at least one of the first jig 210 or the second jig 220. In addition,the fixing unit includes an absorption pump (for example, secondabsorption pump 242) that absorbs (for example, vacuums or evacuates)air from the absorption unit. In particular, the absorption pump may beprovided outside a chamber C as described below. The fixing unit is notlimited thereto and, in other embodiments, may be formed in othervarious ways as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.For example, the fixing unit may be a separate frame that is formed onthe first jig 210 or the second jig 220. As another example, the fixingunit may be an adhesive member having an adhesive force.

The fixing unit may include a first fixing unit that is provided on thefirst jig 210, and includes a second fixing unit 240 that is provided onthe second jig 220. The first fixing unit and the second fixing unit 240may be formed similarly. For example, the first fixing unit and thesecond fixing unit 240 may fix the cover window 110 and the displaypanel 130, respectively, by using air. In other embodiments, the firstfixing unit and the second fixing unit 240 may fix the cover window 110and the display panel 130, respectively, by using a separate frame.However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed that onlythe second fixing unit 240 is used and the display panel 130 is fixed byusing air.

Accordingly, the apparatus 200 may rapidly and easily manufacture thedisplay device 100 having a curved shape and a simple structure. Inaddition, since the apparatus 200 may accurately laminate the coverwindow 110 having a curved shape to the display panel 130, a defect ratemay be reduced or minimized. A method of manufacturing the displaydevice 100 by using the apparatus 200 will now be described withreference to FIGS. 4A through 4C.

In order to manufacture the display device 100, the cover window 110 isfirst fabricated. The cover window 110 may include any of variousmaterials. For example, the cover window 110 may be formed of a glassmaterial or a plastic material. The cover window 110 is not limitedthereto and, in other embodiments, may include any material as long asthe cover window 110 is partially curved or capable of being partiallycurved.

After the cover window 110 is fabricated, it may be flat, in which casethe curved portions 112 may be formed by bending both ends of the coverwindow 110.

For example, the curved portions 112 may be bent from the flat portion111. In FIGS. 4A and 4C, the curved portions 112 extend from the flatportion 111 as described above, and each has an arc shape having a setradius (for example, a predetermined radius) or degree of curvature. Inother embodiments, each of the curved portions 112 may have, forexample, an oval shape instead of the arc shape.

The display panel 130 may be manufactured before, during, or after thecover window 110 is manufactured. A method of manufacturing the displaypanel 130 may be substantially the same as a method of manufacturing ageneral display panel (as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art) and thus, a further detailed description thereof will not begiven.

Once the display panel 130 is prepared, the adhesive layer 120 isattached to one surface of the display panel 130. For example, theadhesive layer 120 may be attached to the encapsulation unit B (or othersecond substrate) as described above with reference to FIG. 2 . Theadhesive layer 120 may, for example, be attached as a film to theencapsulation unit B, or be applied as a material to the encapsulationunit B. However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed thatthe adhesive layer 120 is formed as a film.

After the adhesive layer 120 is attached to the display panel 130, thecover window 110 and the display panel 130 are respectively mounted onthe first jig 210 and the second jig 220. That is, the cover window 110is mounted on the first jig 210, and the display panel 130 is mounted onthe second jig 220. The first jig 210 may be below the second jig 220(for example, in a gravity direction).

Next, the distance between the first jig 210 and the second jig 220 isdecreased. For example, the first jig 210 may move toward the second jig220, or the second jig 220 may move toward the first jig 210. In otherembodiments, both the first jig 210 and the second jig 220 may movecloser to each other. However, for convenience of description, it willbe assumed that the second jig 220 moves.

One surface of the first jig 210 is curved to conform (for example,closely attach) to one surface of the cover window 110. In FIGS. 4A and4C, the surface of the first jig 210 is curved by being recessed. Inaddition, the display panel 130 is mounted on one surface of the secondjig 220. The second fixing unit 240 fixes the display panel 130 to thesurface of the second jig 220.

In FIGS. 4B and 4C, when the display panel 130 is mounted on the secondjig 220, a second absorption unit 241 contacts, adheres, or is otherwiseattached or fixed to one surface of the display panel 130. The secondabsorption unit 241 is partially exposed through an outer surface of thesecond jig 220. When the display panel 130 is positioned in this manner,the second absorption pump 242 absorbs air from the second absorptionunit 241 (for example, by creating a partial vacuum or a pressuredifference). Since the display panel 130 closes (for example, occludes)all or a portion of the second absorption unit 241, and air in thesecond absorption unit 241 is continuously absorbed (for example,vacuumed or evacuated), the second absorption unit 241 is in an almostvacuum state. When the second absorption pump 242 operates as describedabove, the display panel 130 attached to the second jig 220 is notseparated from the second jig 220 due to the pressure difference.

In FIGS. 3 through 4C, a plurality of second absorption units 241 isprovided. The second absorption units 241 are exposed or partiallyexposed through an outer surface of the second jig 220 as describedabove and are spaced apart from one another by a set interval (forexample, a predetermined interval, such as evenly spaced).

When the cover window 110, the adhesive layer 120, and the display panel130 are prepared as described above, the second jig 220 is moved towardthe first jig 210 by driving the second driving unit 225. For example,the second driving unit 225 may be programmed to operate for a setperiod of time (for example, a predetermined period of time). When thesecond driving unit 225 operates in this manner, the second jig 220approaches the first jig 210. When the second jig 220 is continuouslymoved toward the first jig 210, the adhesive layer 120 contacts thecover window 110.

In FIG. 4C, sizes of the adhesive layer 120 and the display panel 130may be the same as or less than a size of the flat portion 111 asdescribed above. That is, the display panel 130 may be formed such thata width of the display panel 130 is less than a width of the coverwindow 110, and the adhesive layer 120 may be formed such that a widthof the adhesive layer 120 is less than the width of the display panel130. Accordingly, when the second jig 220 is moved toward the first jig210, the adhesive layer 120 contacts one surface of the flat portion111. When the second driving unit 225 continuously operates, theadhesive layer 120 contacting the flat portion 111 is compressed againstthe flat portion 111. Thus, the display panel 130 and the cover window110 may be attached to each other through lamination.

In particular, when the cover window 110 and the display panel 130contact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 210 and thesecond jig 220 compress the cover window 110 and the display panel 130may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than or equal to 0.5MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesive force betweenthe cover window 110 and the display panel 130 may be reduced, and thecover window 110 and the display panel 130 may be delaminated andseparated from each other. In addition, when the load range exceeds 0.5MPa and the cover window 110 and the display panel 130 are attached toeach other, the cover window 110 and the display panel 130 may bedamaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

The operation may be performed, for example in an atmospheric state or avacuum state (such as a near vacuum state). The apparatus 200 mayinclude the first jig 210, and the chamber C in which the second jig 220is disposed. In addition, the apparatus 200 may include a pressureadjustment unit that adjusts a pressure of the chamber C. When apressure in the chamber C is maintained in a vacuum state, vaporformation between the cover window 110 and the display panel 130 whenthe cover window 110 and the display panel 130 are laminated may beeffectively prevented.

Accordingly, the method may rapidly and accurately manufacture thedisplay device 100 having a curved shape. Since the method accuratelylaminates the cover window 110 having a curved shape to the displaypanel 130, a defect rate may be reduced or minimized, and productquality may be improved.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 300according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the display device 300 includes a cover window310, a panel member 390, and an adhesive layer 320. The cover window 310includes a flat portion 311 and curved portions 312. The cover window310 and the adhesive layer 320 are substantially the same as the coverwindow 110 and adhesive layer 120 of FIG. 1 and thus, a detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated.

The panel member 390 may include a first panel member 391 that is seatedon the flat portion 311. In addition, the panel member 390 may include asecond panel member 392 at least a portion of which is seated on thecurved portions 312. The panel member 390 may include at least one ofthe display panel 330 or the TSP as described above. For convenience ofdescription, it will be assumed that the panel member 390 includes thedisplay panel 330.

In further detail, the display panel 330 includes a first display panelportion 331 that is laminated on the flat portion 311. In addition, thedisplay panel 330 includes second display panel portions 332 that extendfrom the first display panel portion 331 and are laminated or partiallylaminated on the curved portions 312. The second display panel portions332 extend in a curved shape from the first display panel portion 331.Accordingly, since the display device 300 includes the cover window 310that is curved and the display device 300 displays through a flatportion 311 and a curved portion 312, a larger or maximum active areamay be obtained. Further, due to the inward curvature of the coverwindow 310, the display panel 330 may be smaller in the at least one ofa length or a width than the cover window 310. In addition, the displaydevice 300 that is partially curved may be attached to variouselectronic devices, and may easily display images having various shapes.For convenience of description, however, it will be assumed that thedisplay panel 330 is shorter in width than the cover window 310 asdescribed below in further detail.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 6 through 7C.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 400 formanufacturing the display device 300 of FIG. 5 according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7A through 7C arecross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing the displaydevice 300 of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The same members as those of FIG. 5 are denoted by the samereference numerals.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 7C, the apparatus 400 includes a first jig410, a second jig 420, a driving unit (such as first driving unit 415),and a fixing unit F (for example, first fixing unit 430 and secondfixing unit 440). The first jig 410, the second jig 420, the drivingunit, and the fixing unit F are similar to the first jig 210, the secondjig 220, the driving unit (for example, the second driving unit 225),and the fixing unit (for example, second fixing unit 240), respectively,as described above and thus, a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

The driving unit may include the first driving unit 415 and a seconddriving unit, and the fixing unit F includes the first fixing unit 430and the second fixing unit 440. The first driving unit 415, the seconddriving unit, the first fixing unit 430, and the second fixing unit 440are substantially the same as the first driving unit, the second drivingunit 225, the first fixing unit, and the second fixing unit 240,respectively, as described above and thus, a detailed descriptionthereof will not be repeated. However, it will be assumed that thedriving unit including only the first driving unit 415 operates.

The apparatus 400 may include a cushion unit 490 provided on or a partof at least one of the first jig 410 or the second jig 420. In thisembodiment, a thickness of the cushion unit 490 may be greater than orequal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm. For convenience ofdescription, however, it will be assumed that the cushion unit 490 ispart of a surface of the second jig 420.

In FIGS. 6 through 7C, a plurality of cushion units 490 are part ofrespective end portions of the second jig 420 to face the first jig 410.The cushion units 490 include a first cushion unit 491 and a secondcushion unit 492 that are part of a surface of the second jig 420 andspaced apart by a set interval (for example, a predetermined interval)from each other. The distance S1 between the first cushion unit 491 andthe second cushion unit 492 is less than the at least one of a length ora width of the display panel 330. For convenience of description,however, it will be assumed that the distance S1 between the firstcushion unit 491 and the second cushion unit 492 is less than the widthof the display panel 330.

The cushion units 490 support the display panel 330 and help prevent airbubbles from being formed between the display panel 330 and the curvedportions 312 when the second jig 420 and the first jig 410 are movedtoward each other with the display panel 330 and the cover window 310,respectively, therebetween.

Accordingly, the apparatus 400 may rapidly and easily manufacture thedisplay device 300 having a curved shape and a simple structure. Inaddition, since the apparatus 400 may accurately laminate the coverwindow 310 having a curved shape to the display panel 330, a defect ratemay be reduced or minimized. Further, since the apparatus 400 (such asthe second jig 420) includes the cushion unit 490, a defect rate thatmay increase during lamination of the display panel 330 to the coverwindow 310 on the curved portions 312 may be reduced.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 6 through 7C.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 by using the apparatus400 is similar to that described above. For example, the cover window310 and the display panel 330 may be manufactured as described above andmay be mounted on the first jig 410 and the second jig 420, respectively(see FIG. 7A). Next, the first fixing unit 430 and the second fixingunit 440 respectively fix the cover window 310 and the display panel 330to the first jig 410 and the second jig 420. When a first absorptionpump 432 operates, a first absorption unit 431 is maintained in a vacuum(or near vacuum) state. Likewise, when a second absorption pump 442operates, a second absorption unit 441 is maintained in a vacuum (ornear vacuum) state. Accordingly, the cover window 310 and the displaypanel 330 are fixed to the first jig 410 and the second jig 420,respectively.

In FIGS. 6 through 7C, the first jig 410 is higher than the second jig420 (for example, in a gravity direction). At least one of the first jig410 or the second jig 420 then moves towards the other. For example, thefirst jig 410 may move toward the second jig 420, or the second jig 420may move toward the first jig 410. In other embodiments, both the firstjig 410 and the second jig 420 move closer to each other. However, forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the first jig 410moves toward the second jig 420. When the first jig 410 moves toward thesecond jig 420, the first driving unit 415 operates. When the firstdriving unit 415 continuously operates, a curved surface of the coverwindow 310 contacts the adhesive layer 320.

At first, the display panel 330 and the adhesive layer 320 may be flatagainst the second jig 420. Then, when the adhesive layer 320 and thecover window 310 contact each other, both ends of the display panel 330and the adhesive layer 320 may be curved (for example, through contactwith the cover window 310 that is curved). Next, a first display panelportion 331 (that is flat) and second display panel portions 332 (thatare curved) of the display panel 330 are formed. Accordingly, the firstdisplay panel portion 331 and the second display panel portions 332 areformed when the display panel 330 is adhered to the flat portion 311 andthe curved portions 312. The cover window 310 may be attached to thedisplay panel 330 through lamination as the first driving unit 415operates as described above (see FIGS. 5 and 7C). In other embodiments,the display panel 330 and the adhesive layer 320 may be bent along anouter surface of the second jig 420 when the display panel 330 and theadhesive layer 320 are mounted on the second jig 420.

In particular, when the cover window 310 and the display panel 330contact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 410 and thesecond jig 420 compress the cover window 310 and the display panel 330may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than or equal to 0.5MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesive force betweenthe cover window 310 and the display panel 330 may be reduced, and thusthe cover window 310 and the display panel 330 may be delaminated andseparated from each other. In addition, when the load range exceeds 0.5MPa and the cover window 310 and the display panel 330 are attached toeach other, the cover window 310 and the display panel 330 may bedamaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

Accordingly, the method may rapidly and accurately manufacture thedisplay device 300 having a curved shape. Since the method accuratelylaminates the cover window 310 having a curved shape to the displaypanel 330, a defect rate may be reduced or minimized. In addition, sincethe method removes air bubbles that may be formed (or prevents airbubbles from being formed) after the display panel 330 and the curvedportions 312 are compressed, product quality may be improved.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 500 formanufacturing the display device 300 of FIG. 5 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9A through 9C arecross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing the displaydevice 300 of FIG. 5 according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 8 through 9C, the apparatus 500 includes a first jig510, a second jig 520, a driving unit M (such as first driving unit 515and second driving unit 525), and a fixing unit (for example, firstfixing unit 530). The first jig 510, the second jig 520, the drivingunit M, and the fixing unit are substantially the same as thosedescribed above and thus, a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. The driving unit M may include the first driving unit 515 andthe second driving unit 525, and the fixing unit includes the firstfixing unit 530 (including first absorption unit 531 and firstabsorption pump 532). The first driving unit 515, the second drivingunit 525, and the first fixing unit 530 are substantially the same asthose described above and thus, a detailed description thereof will notbe repeated.

The apparatus 500 includes a clamping unit 550 that is spaced apart by aset interval (for example, a predetermined interval) from the second jig520, and supports the display panel 330 to which the adhesive layer 320is applied. In other embodiments, the clamping unit 550 may be spacedapart by a set interval (for example, a predetermined interval) from thefirst jig 510, and supports the cover window 310. For convenience ofdescription, however, it will be assumed that the clamping unit 550 isdisposed adjacent to the second jig 520.

The clamping unit 550 supports one or more ends of the display panel 330and the adhesive layer 320 when they are inserted into the clamping unit550. In FIGS. 8 through 9C, a plurality of clamping units 550 areprovided, where a distance between the clamping units 550 is less thanthe at least one of a length or a width of the panel member (forexample, display panel 330) when the clamping units 550 are fixing thedisplay panel 330. The panel member may include at least one of thedisplay panel 330 or the TSP as described above. Particularly, each ofthe clamping units 550 is placed at both ends of the cover window 310 inthe direction of the at least one of a width or a length of the coverwindow 310. For convenience of description, however, it will be assumedthat a distance between the plurality of clamping units 550 is less thana width of the display panel 330 and the panel member includes thedisplay panel 330.

In FIGS. 8 through 9C, the clamping units 550 face respective sidesurfaces of the second jig 520, and fix respective ends of the displaypanel 330 and the adhesive layer 320. The clamping units 550 include afirst clamping unit 551 and a second clamping unit 552 that are spacedapart by a set interval (for example, a predetermined interval) fromeach other.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 may rapidly and easily manufacture thedisplay device 300 having a curved shape and a simple structure. Inaddition, since the apparatus 500 may accurately laminate the coverwindow 310 having a curved shape to the display panel 330, a defect ratemay be reduced or minimized. Further, since the apparatus 500 includesthe clamping unit 550 to accurately align the display panel 330 and thecover window 310, working efficiency may be improved.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 by using the apparatus500 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9A through 9C.

First, the cover window 310 is formed, the display panel 330 is formed,and then the adhesive layer 320 is attached to the display panel 330.The cover window 310 may be mounted on the first jig 510 as describedabove (see FIG. 9A). Next, respective ends of the display panel 330 onwhich the adhesive layer 320 is attached are fixed to the first clampingunit 551 and the second clamping unit 552. For example, the respectiveends of the display panel 330 may be fixed by being inserted intoinsertion grooves formed in the first clamping unit 551 and the secondclamping unit 552.

Once the display panel 330 and the adhesive layer 320 are fixed in thismanner, middle portions of the display panel 330 and the adhesive layer320 are curved upward (for example, with respect to a gravitydirection). As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, since a distance S2 between thefirst clamping unit 551 and the second clamping unit 552 is less than atleast one of a width or a length of the display panel 330, the middleportions of the display panel 330 protrude toward the first jig 510.When the display panel 330 and the adhesive layer 320 are fixed, thedisplay panel 330, the adhesive layer 320, and the cover window 310 maybe compressed by moving at least one of the first jig 510 or the secondjig 520. For convenience of description, it will be assumed that thedisplay panel 330, the adhesive layer 320, and the cover window 310 arecompressed by moving both the first jig 510 and the second jig 520.

When the first jig 510 and the second jig 520 move, the first drivingunit 515 and the second driving unit 525 may operate to move the firstjig 510 and the second jig 520 closer to each other. The middle portionsof the display panel 330 and the adhesive layer 320 (which are curveddownward) then contact the cover window 310. For example, the middleportions of the display panel 330 and the adhesive layer 320 may firstcontact a portion of the flat portion 311. When the first jig 510 andthe second jig 520 continuously move, the display panel 330 and theadhesive layer 320 are adhered to the cover window 310 from the flatportion 311 as the first contacting portion to the curved portions 312.That is, the display panel 330, the adhesive layer 320, and the coverwindow 310 contact in an order from the flat portion 311 to the curvedportions 312.

At some point (for example, after the adhesive layer 320 contacts theflat portion 311), the second jig 520 may contact the display panel 330,the display panel 330 may detach from the clamping unit 550, and thefirst jig 510 and the second jig 520 may move closer to each other tofurther laminate the display panel 330 to the cover window 310.

In particular, when the cover window 310 and the display panel 330contact each other as described above, a load range applied when thefirst jig 510 and the second jig 520 compress the cover window 310 andthe display panel 330 may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and equalor less than 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, anadhesive force between the cover window 310 and the display panel 330may be reduced, and thus the cover window 310 and the display panel 330may be delaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when theload range exceeds 0.5 MPa, when the cover window 310 and the displaypanel 330 are attached to each other, the cover window 310 and thedisplay panel 330 may be damaged, thereby reducing quality andreliability.

Accordingly, the method may rapidly and accurately manufacture thedisplay device 300 having a curved shape. In addition, since the methodmay accurately laminate the cover window 310 having a curved shape tothe display panel 330, a defect rate may be reduced or minimized.Further, since the method removes air bubbles that may be formed (orprevents air bubbles from being formed) after the display panel 330 andthe curved portions 312 are compressed, product quality may be improved.

According to embodiments of the present invention, since a cover windowthat is partially curved and a display panel are rapidly and accuratelylaminated to each other, mass production, high reliability, and highquality may be achieved. In addition, since a display device may bemanufactured rapidly, manufacturing time and costs may be reduced.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 600 formanufacturing the display device 300 of FIG. 5 according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional viewillustrating a method of manufacturing the display device 300 of FIG. 5according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the apparatus 600 includes a first jig610, a second jig 620, a driving unit M (including first driving unit615 and second driving unit 625), a clamping unit 650, and a fixing unit(for example, first fixing unit 630). The first jig 610 and the secondjig 620 may be substantially the same as those described above and thus,a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include the first driving unit 615 and the seconddriving unit 625, and the fixing unit may include the first fixing unit630. The first driving unit 615, the second driving unit 625, and thefirst fixing unit 630 may be substantially the same as those describedabove and thus, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Thefirst fixing unit 630 may include a first absorption unit 631 and afirst absorption pump 632.

The clamping unit 650 may include a first clamping unit 651 and a secondclamping unit 652. The first clamping unit 651 and the second clampingunit 652 may be substantially the same as those described above andthus, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The apparatus 600 may include a first linear driving unit 660 and asecond linear driving unit 670 which respectively vertically move thefirst clamping unit 651 and the second clamping unit 652 (for example,in a vertical direction with respect to gravity). The first lineardriving unit 660 and the second linear driving unit 670 may be formedsimilarly and thus, the following description will focus on the firstlinear driving unit 660.

The first linear driving unit 660 may include a first shaft 661 that isconnected to the first clamping unit 651 and linearly moves. In oneembodiment, the first linear driving unit 660 may include a firstdriving module 665 that drives the first shaft 661. The first drivingmodule 665 may include, for example, a cylinder or a motor. Forconvenience of description, however, it will be assumed that the firstdriving module 665 includes a motor. It will be further assumed that thefirst shaft 661 includes a ball screw that is lowered or raised as thefirst driving module 665 rotates.

The first linear driving unit 660 may include a first elastic unit 663that surrounds the first shaft 661. The first elastic unit 663 mayinclude a compression spring, and may be formed of an elastic materialsuch as rubber. For convenience of description, however, it will beassumed that the first elastic unit 663 includes a compression spring.The first elastic unit 663 may surround an outer surface of the firstshaft 661 as described above and thus may provide a restoring force tothe first clamping unit 651 when the first clamping unit 651 moves.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 by using the apparatus600 will be described. The cover window 310 and a panel member (forexample, display panel 330) may be formed, and then the adhesive layer320 may be formed on the panel member. The panel member may include atleast one of the display panel 330 or the TSP as described above.However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed that thepanel member includes the display panel 330. Respective ends of thedisplay panel 330 on which the adhesive layer 320 is formed may be fixedto the first clamping unit 651 and the second clamping unit 652. Oncethe display panel 330 is fixed to the first clamping unit 651 and thesecond clamping unit 652, middle portions of the display panel 330 andthe adhesive layer 320 may be curved upward (for example, with respectto a gravity direction). In further detail, since a distance S3 betweenthe first clamping unit 651 and the second clamping unit 652 is lessthan at least one of a width or a length of the display panel 330, themiddle portions may protrude toward the first jig 610. In this case, itwill be assumed that the distance S3 between the first clamping unit 651and the second clamping unit 652 is less than a width of the displaypanel 330.

After the display panel 330 and the adhesive layer 320 are disposed inthis manner, the display panel 330, the adhesive layer 320, and thecover window 310 may be compressed against one another by moving atleast one of the first jig 610 or the second jig 620. For convenience ofdescription, however, it will be assumed that the display panel 330, theadhesive layer 320, and the cover window 310 are compressed by movingboth the first jig 610 and the second jig 620.

While the first jig 610 and the second jig 620 move in this manner, thefirst linear driving unit 660 and the second linear driving unit 670 mayoperate to vertically move the first clamping unit 651 and the secondclamping unit 652. The first clamping unit 651 and the second clampingunit 652 may move at a speed similar to a speed at which the second jig620 moves.

When the second jig 620, the first clamping unit 651, and the secondclamping unit 652 are raised in this manner, the display panel 330 andthe adhesive layer 320 may be raised while maintaining their curvedstates. When a distance between the first jig 610 and the second jig 620reaches a set distance (for example, a predetermined distance), thefirst clamping unit 651 and the second clamping unit 652 may releasefrom (for example, reduce their clamping force from) the display panel330 and the adhesive layer 320. During or after this releasing of thefirst clamping unit 651 and the second clamping unit 652, the firstlinear driving unit 660 and the second linear driving unit 670 may lowerthe first clamping unit 651 and the second clamping unit 652.

Next, the first driving unit 615 and the second driving unit 625 maycontinuously operate to bring the first jig 610 and the second jig 620closer (for example, adjacent) to each other (for example, the secondjig 520 may contact the display panel 330). As the first jig 610 and thesecond jig 620 move closer, the display panel 330, the adhesive layer320, and the cover window 310 may be compressed against one another(e.g., starting with the flat portion 311). A method of compressing thedisplay panel 330, the adhesive layer 320, and the cover window 310 maybe performed in the same manner as that described above and thus, adetailed description thereof will not be repeated.

In particular, when the cover window 310 and the display panel 330contact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 610 and thesecond jig 620 compress the cover window 310 and the display panel 330may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than or equal to 0.5MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesive force betweenthe cover window 310 and the display panel 330 may be reduced, and thecover window 310 and the display panel 330 may be delaminated andseparated from each other. In addition, when the load range exceeds 0.5MPa and the cover window 310 and the display panel 330 are attached toeach other, the cover window 310 and the display panel 330 may bedamaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

Accordingly, the method may rapidly and accurately manufacture thedisplay device 300 having a curved shape. Further, the method may reduceor minimize a defect rate by accurately laminating the cover window 310having a curved shape to the display panel 330. In addition, the methodmay improve product quality by removing air bubbles that may begenerated (or preventing air bubbles from being generated) after thedisplay panel 330 and the curved portions 312 are compressed.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 700 formanufacturing the display device 300 of FIG. 5 according to still yetanother embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is across-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing the displaydevice 300 of FIG. 5 according to still yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 , the apparatus 700 may include a first jig710, a second jig 720 (including a cushion unit 790), a driving unit M(including first driving unit 715 and second driving unit 725), aclamping unit 750 (including a first clamping unit 751 and a secondclamping unit 752), a fixing unit (for example, first fixing unit 730),a first linear driving unit 760, and a second linear driving unit 770.The first jig 710 and the second jig 720 may be substantially the sameas those described above and thus, a detailed description thereof willnot be repeated.

The driving unit M may include the first driving unit 715 and the seconddriving unit 725, and the fixing unit may include the first fixing unit730. The first driving unit 715, the second driving unit 725, and thefirst fixing unit 730 (which includes first absorption unit 731 andfirst absorption pump 732) may be substantially the same as thosedescribed above and thus, a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

The first linear driving unit 760 and the second linear driving unit 770may linearly move the first clamping unit 751 and the second clampingunit 752, respectively. The first linear driving unit 760 and the secondlinear driving unit 770 may linearly move the first clamping unit 751and the second clamping unit 752 in a diagonal direction, respectively,with respect to the second jig 720 (and, for example, with respect to agravity direction). Since the second linear driving unit 770 may beformed similarly to the first linear driving unit 760, the followingdescription will focus on the first linear driving unit 760.

In further detail, the first linear driving unit 760 may include a firstshaft 761, a first driving module 765, and a first elastic unit 763. Thefirst shaft 761, the first driving module 765, and the first elasticunit 763 may be formed in a similar manner to those described above(such as the first linear driving unit 660 in FIGS. 10-11 ) except that,the first shaft 761 is disposed in a diagonal direction to diagonallymove the first clamping unit 751 with respect to the second jig 720.

When the first linear driving unit 760 operates, the first drivingmodule 765 may vary a length of the first shaft 761. Since the firstdriving module 765 and the first shaft 761 are diagonally disposed withrespect to the second jig 720 as described above, the first clampingunit 751 may be diagonally moved by varying the movement of the firstshaft 761.

For example, when the first driving module 765 operates to diagonallymove the first shaft 761 downward with respect to the second jig 720,the first clamping unit 751 may diagonally move downward with respect tothe second jig 720 as the first shaft 761 moves. Likewise, when thefirst driving module 765 operates in an opposite direction to diagonallymove the first shaft 761 upward with respect to the second jig 720, thefirst clamping unit 751 may diagonally move upward with respect to thesecond jig 720 as the first shaft 761 moves. The first shaft 761 mayinclude a ball screw as described above and thus may rotate as the firstdriving module 765 operates. The first shaft 761 may diagonally movedownward or upward with respect to the second jig 720 as the firstdriving module 765 rotates.

The cushion unit 790 may be formed in various ways. For example, thecushion unit 790 may be part of an outer surface (e.g., a contactingsurface, such as a surface that contacts the cover window 310 or thedisplay panel 330) of at least one of the first jig 710 or the secondjig 720. In another embodiment, the cushion unit 790 may be part of aportion of such an outer surface of at least one of the first jig 710 orthe second jig 720. In another embodiment, the cushion unit 790 is partof the apparatus 700 and covers such an outer surface of at least one ofthe first jig 710 or the second jig 720. For ease of description, itwill be assumed that the cushion unit 790 is part of an entire suchouter surface of the second jig 720.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 may be similar to thatdescribed above. In further detail, a panel member (for example, displaypanel 330) and the cover window 310 may be prepared, and then theadhesive layer 320 may be applied to the panel member. The panel membermay include the display panel 330 and the TSP as described above.However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed that thepanel member includes the display panel 330. The display panel 330 towhich the adhesive layer 320 is applied may be fixed by the firstclamping unit 751 and the second clamping unit 752. When the fixing iscompleted, the display panel 330, the adhesive layer 320, and the coverwindow 310 may be compressed against one another by moving at least oneof the first jig 710 or the second jig 720. A method of compressing thedisplay panel 330, the adhesive layer 320, and the cover window 310 maybe similar to that described above and thus, a detailed descriptionthereof will not be repeated.

When the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 move in this manner, thefirst clamping unit 751 and the second clamping unit 752 may also move.The first clamping unit 751 and the second clamping unit 752 may bediagonally moved by the first linear driving unit 760 and the secondlinear driving unit 770, respectively. The first clamping unit 751 andthe second clamping unit 752 may be raised diagonally with respect tothe second jig 720.

When the first clamping unit 751 and the second clamping unit 752 areraised and then an interval between the first jig 710 and the second jig720 reaches a preset interval, both ends of the display panel 330 may bereleased from the clamping unit 750. The display panel 330 may belaminated to the cover window 310 by the adhesive layer 320 beginningfrom a middle portion of the display panel 330 (corresponding to theflat portion 311 of the cover window 310).

During or after the releasing of the first clamping unit 751 and thesecond clamping unit 752 from the display panel 330, the first lineardriving unit 760 and the second linear driving unit 770 may operate tolower the first clamping unit 751 and the second clamping unit 752. Thefirst clamping unit 751 and the second clamping unit 752 may be lowereddiagonally with respect to the second jig 720. While the first clampingunit 751 and the second clamping unit 752 are lowered, the first jig 710and the second jig 720 may get closer to each other to compress thedisplay panel 330, the adhesive layer 320, and the cover window 310against one another. For example, the second jig 720 may contact thedisplay panel 330. A method of adhering the display panel 330 and thecover window 310 through compression may be similar to that describedabove.

When the display panel 330 and the cover window 310 are compressed bymoving the first jig 710 and the second jig 720, the cushion unit 790may spread a force applied to the display panel 330 and the cover window310. In addition, the cushion unit 790 may help prevent the displaypanel 330 or the cover window 310 from being damaged by partiallyabsorbing a force applied to the display panel 330 and the cover window310.

In particular, when the cover window 310 and the display panel 330contact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 710 and thesecond jig 720 compress the cover window 310 and the display panel 330may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than or equal to 0.5MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesive force betweenthe cover window 310 and the display panel 330 may be reduced, and thecover window 310 and the display panel 330 may be delaminated andseparated from each other. In addition, when the load range exceeds 0.5MPa and the cover window 310 and the display panel 330 are attached toeach other, the cover window 310 and the display panel 330 may bedamaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

Accordingly, the method may rapidly and accurately manufacture thedisplay device 300. Further, the method may reduce or minimize a defectrate by accurately laminating the cover window 310 having a curvedsurface to the display panel 330. In addition, the method may improveproduct quality by removing air bubbles that may be generated (orpreventing air bubbles from being generated) after the display panel 330and the curved portions 312 are compressed.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 300 aaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the display device 300 a may include a coverwindow 310 a and a panel member 390 a as described above. In addition,the display device 300 a may include a first adhesive layer 320 a thatis disposed between a panel member 390 a and the cover window 310 a. Thepanel member 390 a may include a display panel 330 a and a TSP 340 a asdescribed above. In particular, a second adhesive layer 350 a may beprovided between the display panel 330 a and the TSP 340 a to attach thedisplay panel 330 a and the TSP 340 a.

The cover window 310 a may be formed such that at least a portion of thecover window 310 a is curved. In particular, the cover window 310 may beformed to have a curved surface having a curvature radius of R. Thecover window 310 a may be formed to have a curved surface having a setor predetermined curvature radius in at least one of a longitudinaldirection or a width direction. In addition, the cover window 310 a maybe formed such that a surface on which an image or text is displayedafter the panel member 390 a is attached is convex. However, forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the cover window 310is formed to have a curved surface having a set or predeterminedcurvature radius and the curved surface is formed in a width directionof the cover window 310 a.

The first adhesive layer 320 a and the second adhesive layer 350 a maybe formed of the same material. In further detail, the first adhesivelayer 320 a and the second adhesive layer 350 a may be formed of atransparent material having an adhesive force. For example, the firstadhesive layer 320 a and the second adhesive layer 350 a may include anoptical clear adhesive (OCA) film or an adhesive material.

Accordingly, since the display device 300 a is formed to have a set orpredetermined curvature radius, the display device 300 a may be providedon various members.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 400 a formanufacturing the display device 300 a of FIG. 14 , according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the apparatus 400 a may include a first jig 410a, a second jig 420 a, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 430 a), and a cushion unit 490 a. At least a portionof the first jig 410 a may be formed equally or similarly to an outersurface of the cover window 310 a. In further detail, the first jig 410a may have a curved surface on which the cover window 310 a having acurved surface with a set or predetermined curvature radius is seated.In particular, the first jig 410 a may be recessed away from the secondjig 420 a.

An outer surface of the second jig 420 a may protrude toward the firstjig 410 a to correspond to or engage with a recessed portion of thefirst jig 410 a. The outer surface of the second jig 420 a may be acurved surface having a set or predetermined curvature radius.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 415 a and a seconddriving unit 425 a. The first driving unit 415 a may linearly move thefirst jig 410 a toward the second jig 420 a, and the second driving unit425 a may linearly move the second jig 420 a toward the first jig 410 a.The first driving unit 415 a and the second driving unit 425 a may beformed in the same manner as or a similar manner to those describedabove.

In addition, the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit 430 aprovided on the first jig 410 a and a second fixing unit provided on thesecond jig 420 a. For convenience of description, it will be assumedthat the fixing unit includes the first fixing unit 430 a. In addition,the first fixing unit 430 a and the second fixing unit may be formed inthe same manner or a similar manner, and thus a detailed description ofthe second fixing unit will not be given.

The first fixing unit 430 a may be formed in various ways. For example,the first fixing unit 430 a may include an adhesive member, an adhesivechuck, or an electrostatic chuck. In addition, the first fixing unit 430a may include a first absorption unit 431 a and a first absorption pump432 a that is connected to the first absorption unit 431 a. Inparticular, the first fixing unit 430 a is not limited thereto, and mayinclude a clamp, or a protrusion that is provided on the first jig 410 aand mechanically restricts the cover window 310 a. However, forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the first fixingunit 430 a includes the first absorption unit 431 a and the firstabsorption pump 432 a.

The cushion unit 490 a may be provided on at least one of the first jig410 a or the second jig 420 a. In this case, the cushion unit 490 a isthe same as or similar to that described above, and thus a detailedexplanation thereof will not be repeated. In addition, for convenienceof description, it will be assumed that the cushion unit 490 a isprovided only on the second jig 420 a and is integrally formed on anouter surface of the second jig 420 a.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 a by using theapparatus 400 a will now be described. First, the cover window 310 a andthe panel member 390 a may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 a is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 a and the display panel 330 a may beadhered to each other by using the second adhesive layer 350 a.

After the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 a may be disposedon the first jig 410 a. The cover window 310 a may be formed to have acurved surface having a set or predetermined curvature radius of R asdescribed above and may be seated on an outer surface of the first jig410 a. The first absorption pump 432 a may operate to absorb (e.g.,evacuate or vacuum) air out of the first absorption unit 431 a, so thatthe cover window 310 a may be fixed to the outer surface of the firstjig 410 a.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 a and the display panel 330a adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 a may be disposed onthe second jig 420 a. The display panel 330 a may be disposed to facethe second jig 420 a, and the TSP 340 a may be disposed to face thefirst jig 410 a.

After the TSP 340 a and the display panel 330 a are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 a may be coated on the TSP340 a. The first adhesive layer 320 a may be formed of the same materialas or a similar material to that of the second adhesive layer 350 a.

When the cover window 310 a, the TSP 340 a, and the display panel 330 aare completely disposed as described above, the first jig 410 a and thesecond jig 420 a may be moved toward each other by driving the firstdriving unit 415 a and the second driving unit 425 a. A protrudingportion of the second jig 420 a may first contact the display panel 330a, and the first adhesive layer 320 a and the cover window 310 a may besequentially laminated from a central portion of the display panel 330 ato both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 acontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 410 a andthe second jig 420 a compress the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a may bereduced, and the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 a and the panel member390 a are attached to each other, the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

While the process is performed, the cushion unit 490 a may uniformlydistribute a force applied to the cover window 310 a, the TSP 340 a, andthe display panel 330 a.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 415 a and thesecond driving unit 425 a may operate to separate the first jig 410 aand the second jig 420 a. An operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 a from the first jig 410 a orthe second jig 420 a.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 400 a may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 410 a, the second jig 420 a, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus400 a may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after a lamination process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 400 a may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 a. In addition, the apparatus 400 a may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 a and the panel member390 a when the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a arelaminated.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 500 a formanufacturing the display device 300 a of FIG. 14 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the apparatus 500 a includes a first jig 510 a, asecond jig 520 a, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example, firstfixing unit 530 a), and a cushion unit 590 a. In this case, the firstjig 510 a, the second jig 520 a, the driving unit M, the fixing unit,and the cushion unit 590 a are substantially the same as those describedabove, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 515 a and a seconddriving unit 525 a, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit530 a. The first driving unit 515 a, the second driving unit 525 a, andthe first fixing unit 530 a (which includes a first absorption unit 531a and a first absorption pump 532 a) are substantially the same as thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

The apparatus 500 a includes a clamping unit 550 a that is spaced apartby a set or predetermined interval from at least one of the first jig510 a or the second jig 520 a, and supports the panel member 390 a. Forconvenience of description, however, it will be assumed that theclamping unit 550 a is disposed adjacent to the second jig 520 a.

The clamping unit 550 a may support one end of the panel member 390 awhen the one end of the panel member 390 a is inserted into the clampingunit 550 a. A plurality of the clamping units 550 a may be provided,where a distance between the clamping units 550 a is less than a lengthor a width of the panel member 390 a. The panel member 390 a may includeat least one of the display panel 330 a or the TSP 340 a as describedabove. For convenience of description, it will be assumed that thedistance between the plurality of clamping units 550 a is less than awidth of the panel member 390 a and the panel member 390 a includes thedisplay panel 330 a and the TSP 340 a.

In particular, the plurality of clamping units 550 a face respectiveside surfaces of the second jig 520 a, and fix both ends of the displaypanel 330 a, the second adhesive layer 350 a, the TSP 340 a, and thefirst adhesive layer 320 a. The plurality of clamping units 550 ainclude a first clamping unit 551 a and a second clamping unit 552 athat are spaced apart by a set or predetermined interval from eachother.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 a may rapidly and easily manufacture thedisplay device 300 a having a curved surface and a simple structure. Inaddition, since the apparatus 500 a may accurately attach the coverwindow 310 a having a curved surface to the panel member 390 a, aproduct defect rate may be reduced or minimized.

In particular, since the apparatus 500 a includes the clamping unit 550a to accurately align the panel member 390 a and the cover window 310 a,working efficiency may be improved.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 a by using theapparatus 500 a will now be described with reference to FIG. 16 .

The cover window 310 a may be formed as described above, the displaypanel 330 a may be formed, and then the TSP 340 a and the display panel330 a may be adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 a. The coverwindow 310 a may be mounted on the first jig 510 a as described above.The cover window 310 a may be formed to have a curved surface having apredetermined curvature radius of R as described above and may be seatedon an outer surface of the first jig 510 a. A first absorption pump 532a may operate to absorb air of a first absorption unit 531 a so that thecover window 310 a is fixed to the outer surface of the first jig 510 a.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 a and the display panel 330a adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 a as described abovemay be disposed on the second jig 520 a. The display panel 330 a may bedisposed to face the second jig 520 a, and the TSP 340 a may be disposedto face the first jig 510 a. In particular, respective ends of the TSP340 a on which the first adhesive layer 320 a is attached are fixed tothe first clamping unit 551 a and the second clamping unit 552 a. Forexample, the respective ends of panel member 390 a may be fixed by beinginserted into grooves formed in the first clamping unit 551 a and thesecond clamping unit 552 a as described above.

Once the display panel 330 a, the second adhesive layer 350 a, the TSP340 a, and the first adhesive layer 320 a are fixed in this manner,portions of the display panel 330 a, the second adhesive layer 350 a,the TSP 340 a, and the first adhesive layer 320 a may be curved upward(for example, with respect to a gravity direction). In further detail,since a distance between the first clamping unit 551 a and the secondclamping unit 552 a is less than at least one of a width or a length ofat least one of the display panel 330 a or the TSP 340 a, the portionsof the display panel 330 a, the second adhesive layer 350 a, the TSP 340a, and the first adhesive layer 320 a may protrude toward the first jig510 a.

When the display panel 330 a, the second adhesive layer 350 a, the TSP340 a, and the first adhesive layer 320 a are fixed as described above,the display panel 330 a, the second adhesive layer 350 a, the TSP 340 a,the first adhesive layer 320 a, and the cover window 310 a may becompressed against each other by moving at least one of the first jig510 a or the second jig 520 a. For convenience of description, it willbe assumed that the first adhesive layer 320 a and the cover window 310a are compressed by moving both the first jig 510 a and the second jig520 a.

When the first jig 510 a and the second jig 520 a move, the firstdriving unit 515 a and the second driving unit 525 a may operate to movethe first jig 510 a and the second jig 520 a closer to each other.

The upwardly curved portions of the display panel 330 a, the secondadhesive layer 350 a, the TSP 340 a, and the first adhesive layer 320 afirst contact the cover window 310 a. When the first jig 510 a and thesecond jig 520 a continuously move, the display panel 330 a, the secondadhesive layer 350 a, the TSP 340 a, and the first adhesive layer 320 amay be laminated to the cover window 310 a beginning from contactportions with the cover window 310 a toward both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 acontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 510 a andthe second jig 520 a compress the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a may bereduced, and the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 a and the panel member390 a are attached to each other, the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

In addition, when the first jig 510 a and the second jig 520 a move asdescribed above, the TSP 340 a and the display panel 330 a may be fixedwhile the first clamping unit 551 a and the second clamping unit 552 ado not move.

The cushion unit 590 a may uniformly distribute a force applied to thepanel member 390 a and the cover window 310 a when the panel member 390a and the cover window 310 a are compressed and laminated.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 515 a and thesecond driving unit 525 a may operate to separate the first jig 510 aand the second jig 520 a. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 a from the first jig 510 a orthe second jig 520 a.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 500 a may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 510 a, the second jig 520 a, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus500 a may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 a may rapidly and accurately manufactureany type of display device 300 a having a curved surface. In particular,the apparatus 500 a may reduce or minimize a product defect rate byaccurately attaching the display panel 330 a and the cover window 310 ahaving a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 500 a may reduce or minimize a product defectrate by effectively removing air bubbles or preventing air bubbles frombeing generated after the display panel 330 a and the curved portionsare compressed.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 600 a formanufacturing the display device 300 a of FIG. 14 , according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the apparatus 600 a includes a first jig 610 a, asecond jig 620 a, a driving unit M, a clamping unit 650 a, a fixing unit(for example, first fixing unit 630 a), a linear driving unit L, and acushion unit 690 a. The first jig 610 a, the second jig 620 a, thelinear driving unit L, the clamping unit 650 a, the fixing unit, and thecushion unit 690 a may be substantially the same as those describedabove, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 615 a and a seconddriving unit 625 a, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit630 a. The first driving unit 615 a, the second driving unit 625 a, andthe first fixing unit 630 a may be substantially the same as thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In particular, the first fixing unit 630 a may include a firstabsorption pump 632 a and a first absorption unit 631 a.

The clamping unit 650 a may include a first clamping unit 651 a and asecond clamping unit 652 a. The first clamping unit 651 a and the secondclamping unit 652 a may be substantially the same as those describedabove, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The apparatus 600 a may include a linear driving unit L that includes afirst linear driving unit 660 a and a second linear driving unit 670 athat respectively vertically move the first clamping unit 651 a and thesecond clamping unit 652 a. In particular, the first linear driving unit660 a and the second linear driving unit 670 a may respectively linearlymove the first clamping unit 651 a and the second clamping unit 652 a inthe same direction as a direction in which the second jig 620 a moves.The first linear driving unit 660 a and the second linear driving unit670 a may be formed similarly, and thus the following description willfocus on the first linear driving unit 660 a.

The first linear driving unit 660 a may include a first shaft 661 a thatis connected to the first clamping unit 651 a and linearly moves thefirst clamping unit 651 a. In addition, the first linear driving unit660 a may include a first driving module 665 a that drives the firstshaft 661 a. The first driving module 665 a may include a cylinder or amotor. For convenience of description, however, it will be assumed thatthe first driving module 665 a includes a motor. It will be furtherassumed that the first shaft 661 a includes a ball screw that is loweredor raised as the first driving module 665 a rotates.

The first linear driving unit 660 a may include a first elastic unit 663a that surrounds the first shaft 661 a. The first elastic unit 663 a mayinclude a compression spring, and may be formed of an elastic materialsuch as rubber. For convenience of description, however, it will beassumed that the first elastic unit 663 a includes a compression spring.

The first elastic unit 663 a may surround an outer surface of the firstshaft 661 a as described above and thus may provide a restoring force tothe first clamping unit 651 a when the first clamping unit 651 a moves.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 a by using theapparatus 600 a will be described. The cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be manufactured and prepared. The panel member 390 amay include at least one of the display panel 330 a or the TSP 340 a asdescribed above. However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that the panel member 390 a includes both the display panel 330a and the TSP 340 a.

Next, the cover window 310 a may be disposed on the first jig 610 a. Thecover window 310 a may be formed to have a curved surface having apredetermined curvature radius of R as described above, and may beseated on an outer surface of the first jig 610 a. A first absorptionpump 632 a may absorb air of a first absorption unit 631 a to fix thecover window 310 a to the outer surface of the first jig 610 a.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 a and the display panel 330a adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 a as described abovemay be disposed on the second jig 620 a. The display panel 330 a may bedisposed to face the second jig 620 a and the TSP 340 a may be disposedto face the first jig 610 a. In particular, the display panel 330 a andthe TSP 340 a may be stacked, and an end of the display panel 330 a andan end of the TSP 340 a may be fixed by being inserted into the firstclamping unit 651 a and the second clamping unit 652 a.

Next, the first adhesive layer 320 a may be formed on the TSP 340 a.Respective ends of the display panel 330 a and the TSP 340 a on whichthe first adhesive layer 320 a is formed may be fixed to the firstclamping unit 651 a and the second clamping unit 652 a.

Once the panel member 390 a is fixed to the first clamping unit 651 aand the second clamping unit 652 a, one portion of the panel member 390a may be curved upward (for example, with respect to a gravitydirection). In further detail, since a distance between the firstclamping unit 651 a and the second clamping unit 652 a is less than atleast one of a width or a length of the panel member 390 a, the upwardlycurved portion may protrude toward the first jig 610 a. In this case, itwill be assumed that the distance between the first clamping unit 651 aand the second clamping unit 652 a is less than a width of the panelmember 390 a.

After the panel member 390 a is disposed in this manner, the panelmember 390 a and the cover window 310 a may be compressed against eachother by moving at least one of the first jig 610 a or the second jig620 a. For convenience of description, however, it will be assumed thatthe panel member 390 a and the cover window 310 a are compressed bymoving both the first jig 610 a and the second jig 620 a.

While the first jig 610 a and the second jig 620 a move in this manner,the first linear driving unit 660 a and the second linear driving unit670 a may operate to vertically move the first clamping unit 651 a andthe second clamping unit 652 a. In particular, the first clamping unit651 a and the second clamping unit 652 a may move at a speed similar toa speed at which the second jig 620 a moves.

When the second jig 620 a, the first clamping unit 651 a, and the secondclamping unit 652 a are raised in this manner, the panel member 390 amay be raised while maintaining its curved state. When a distancebetween the first jig 610 a and the second jig 620 a reaches a setdistance (for example, a predetermined distance), the first clampingunit 651 a and the second clamping unit 652 a may release from (forexample, reduce their clamping force from) the panel member 390 a.

During or after this releasing of the first clamping unit 651 a and thesecond clamping unit 652 a, the first linear driving unit 660 a and thesecond linear driving unit 670 a may lower the first clamping unit 651 aand the second clamping unit 652 a.

Next, the first driving unit 615 a and the second driving unit 625 a maycontinuously operate to bring the first jig 610 a and the second jig 620a closer (for example, adjacent) to each other (for example, the secondjig 620 a may contact panel member 390 a). As the first jig 610 a andthe second jig 620 a move closer, the panel member 390 a and the coverwindow 310 a may be compressed against each other. A method ofcompressing the panel member 390 a and the cover window 310 a may beperformed in the same manner as that described above, and thus adetailed description thereof will not be repeated.

In particular, when the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 acontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 610 a andthe second jig 620 a compress the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a may bereduced, and the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 a and the panel member390 a are attached to each other, the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

The cushion unit 690 a may uniformly distribute a force applied to thecover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a when the cover window 310a and the panel member 390 a are laminated due to compression.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 615 a and thesecond driving unit 625 a may operate to separate the first jig 610 aand the second jig 620 a. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 a from the first jig 610 a orthe second jig 620 a.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 600 a may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 610 a, the second jig 620 a, the fixingunit, and the driving unit are disposed. In addition, the apparatus 600a may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure in thechamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 600 a may rapidly and accurately manufacturethe display device 300 a having a curved surface. In particular, theapparatus 600 a may reduce or minimize a product defect rate byaccurately attaching the panel member 390 a and the cover window 310 ahaving a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 600 a may improve product quality by removingair bubbles that may be generated (or preventing air bubbles from beinggenerated) when the panel member 390 a and the cover window 310 a arecompressed.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 700 a formanufacturing the display device 300 a of FIG. 14 , according to stillyet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18 , the apparatus 700 a may include a first jig 710a, a second jig 720 a, a driving unit M, a clamping unit 750 a, a fixingunit (for example, first fixing unit 730 a), a linear driving unit L,and a cushion unit 790 a. The first jig 710 a and the second jig 720 amay be substantially the same as those described above, and thus adetailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 715 a and a seconddriving unit 725 a, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit730 a. The first driving unit 715 a, the second driving unit 725 a, andthe first fixing unit 730 a (which includes first absorption unit 731 aand first absorption pump 732 a) may be substantially the same as thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

In addition, the clamping unit 750 a may include a first clamping unit751 a and a second clamping unit 752 a. The first clamping unit 751 aand the second clamping unit 752 a may be substantially the same asthose described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will notbe repeated.

The linear driving unit L may include a first linear driving unit 760 aand a second linear driving unit 770 a, and the first linear drivingunit 760 a and the second linear driving unit 770 a may linearly movethe first clamping unit 751 a and the second clamping unit 752 a,respectively. In particular, the first linear driving unit 760 a and thesecond linear driving unit 770 a may linearly move the first clampingunit 751 a and the second clamping unit 752 a in a diagonal direction.Since the second linear driving unit 770 a may be formed similarly tothe first linear driving unit 760 a, the following description willfocus on the first linear driving unit 760 a.

In further detail, the first linear driving unit 760 a may include afirst shaft 761 a, a first driving module 765 a, and a first elasticunit 763 a. The first shaft 761 a, the first driving module 765 a, andthe first elastic unit 763 a may be formed in a similar manner to thosedescribed above (such as the first linear driving unit 760 in FIGS.12-13 ). The first shaft 761 a is disposed in a diagonal direction todiagonally move the first clamping unit 751 a.

In particular, when the first linear driving unit 760 a operates, thefirst driving module 765 a may vary a length of the first shaft 761 a.Since the first driving module 765 a and the first shaft 761 a arediagonally disposed with respect to the second jig 720 a as describedabove, the first clamping unit 751 a may be diagonally moved by varyingthe movement of the first shaft 761 a.

For example, when the first driving module 765 a operates to diagonallymove the first shaft 761 a downward with respect to the second jig 720a, the first clamping unit 751 a may diagonally move downward withrespect to the second jig 720 a as the first shaft 761 a moves.

When the first driving module 765 a operates in an opposite direction todiagonally move the first shaft 761 a upward with respect to the secondjig 720 a, the first clamping unit 751 a may diagonally move upward withrespect to the second jig 720 a as the first shaft 761 a moves.

The first shaft 761 a may include a ball screw as described above andthus may rotate as the first driving module 765 a operates. Inparticular, the first shaft 761 a may diagonally move downward or upwardwith respect to the second jig 720 a as the first driving module 765 arotates.

The cushion unit 790 a may be formed in various ways. For example, thecushion unit 790 a may be provided on an outer surface of at least oneof the first jig 710 a or the second jig 720 a. For ease of description,it will be assumed that the cushion unit 790 a is formed on an entireouter surface of the second jig 720 a.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 a may be similar tothat described above. In further detail, the panel member 390 a and thecover window 310 a may be manufactured and prepared. The panel member390 a may include the display panel 330 a and the TSP 340 a as describedabove. However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed thatthe panel member 390 a includes both the display panel 330 a and the TSP340 a.

After the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 a may be disposedon the first jig 710 a. The cover window 310 a may be formed to have acurved surface having a predetermined curvature radius of R as describedabove, and may be seated on an outer surface of the first jig 710 a. Afirst absorption pump 732 a may operate to absorb air of a firstabsorption unit 731 a so that the cover window 310 a is fixed to theouter surface of the first jig 710 a.

When the display panel 330 a and the TSP 340 a are completelymanufactured as described above, the display panel 330 a and the TSP 340a may be adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 a, and the firstadhesive layer 320 a may be coated on the TSP 340 a.

Next, the TSP 340 a and the display panel 330 a may be disposed on thesecond jig 720 a. The display panel 330 a may be disposed to face thesecond jig 720, and the TSP 340 a may be disposed to face the first jig710 a. The panel member 390 a manufactured as described above may befixed by the first clamping unit 751 a and the second clamping unit 752a. In further detail, since a distance between the first clamping unit751 a and the second clamping unit 752 a is less than at least one of awidth or a length of the panel member 390 a, an upwardly curved portionof the panel member 390 a may protrude toward the first jig 710 a. Inthis case, it will be assumed that the distance between the firstclamping unit 751 a and the second clamping unit 752 a is less than awidth of the panel member 390 a. When the fixing is completed, the panelmember 390 a and the cover window 310 a may be compressed against eachother by moving at least one of the first jig 710 a or the second jig720 a. A method of compressing the panel member 390 a and the coverwindow 310 a may be similar to that described above, and thus a detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated.

When the first jig 710 a and the second jig 720 a move in this manner,the first clamping unit 751 a and the second clamping unit 752 a mayalso move. In particular, the first clamping unit 751 a and the secondclamping unit 752 a may be diagonally moved by the first linear drivingunit 760 a and the second linear driving unit 770 a, respectively. Thefirst clamping unit 751 a and the second clamping unit 752 a may beraised diagonally.

When the first clamping unit 751 a and the second clamping unit 752 aare raised and then an interval between the first jig 710 a and thesecond jig 720 a reaches a preset interval, both ends of the panelmember 390 a may be released. The panel member 390 a may be sequentiallyadhered to the cover window 310 a beginning from a protruding portiontoward both end portions.

After the releasing of the first clamping unit 751 a and the secondclamping unit 752 a, the first linear driving unit 760 a and the secondlinear driving unit 770 a may operate to lower the first clamping unit751 a and the second clamping unit 752 a. The first clamping unit 751 aand the second clamping unit 752 a may be lowered diagonally.

While the first clamping unit 751 a and the second clamping unit 752 aare lowered, the first jig 710 a and the second jig 720 a may get closerto each other to compress the panel member 390 a and the cover window310 a. In this case, a method of adhering the panel member 390 a and thecover window 310 a through compression may be similar to that describedabove.

When the panel member 390 a and the cover window 310 a are compressed bymoving the first jig 710 a and the second jig 720 a as described above,the cushion unit 790 a may distribute a force applied to the panelmember 390 a and the cover window 310 a. In addition, the cushion unit790 a may help prevent the panel member 390 a or the cover window 310 afrom being damaged by absorbing part of a force applied to the panelmember 390 a and the cover window 310 a.

In particular, when the cover window 310 a and the display panel 330 acontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 710 a andthe second jig 720 a compress the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a may bereduced, and the cover window 310 a and the panel member 390 a may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 a and the panel member390 a are attached to each other, the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

After the process is completed, the first driving unit 715 a and thesecond driving unit 725 a may operate to separate the first jig 710 aand the second jig 720 a. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 a from the first jig 710 a orthe second jig 720 a.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 700 a may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 710 a, the second jig 720 a, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus700 a may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 a and the panelmember 390 a are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 700 a may manufacture the display device 300a having a curved surface. In particular, the apparatus 700 a may reduceor minimize a product defect rate by accurately attaching the displaypanel 330 a and the cover window 310 a having a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 700 a may improve quality by removing airbubbles or preventing air bubbles from being generated after the displaypanel 330 a and the curved portions are compressed.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 300 baccording to still yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19 , the display device 300 b may include a coverwindow 310 b and a panel member 390 b as described above. In addition,the display device 300 b may include a first adhesive layer 320 b thatis disposed between the panel member 390 b and the cover window 310 b.The panel member 390 b may include a display panel 330 b and a TSP 340 bas described above. In particular, a second adhesive layer 350 b may beprovided between the display panel 330 b and the TSP 340 b to attach thedisplay panel 330 b and the TSP 340 b.

At least a portion of the cover window 310 b may be curved. The coverwindow 310 b may be formed such that a surface on which an image or textis displayed is curved after then panel member 390 b is attached. Inparticular, the cover window 310 b may be formed to have at least onecurved surface having a curvature radius. In some embodiments, the coverwindow 310 b may be formed to have a first curved surface having acurvature radius of R1, a second curved surface having a curvatureradius of R2, and may further include a third curved surface having acurvature radius of R3 in at least one of a longitudinal direction or awidth direction. In other embodiments, the cover window 310 b mayfurther include curved surfaces having curvature radii of R4, R5, . . ., and RN (N is a natural number) in addition to the curved surfaceshaving the curvature radii of R1, R2, and R3 (e.g., there may be aseparate curvature radius of each portion or curved surface of the coverwindow 310 b). However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that the cover window 310 b is formed to have the first, second,and third curved surfaces having the curvature radii of R1, R2, and R3in a width direction.

The first adhesive layer 320 b and the second adhesive layer 350 b maybe formed of the same material. In further detail, the first adhesivelayer 320 b and the second adhesive layer 350 b may be formed of anadhesive and transparent material. For example, the first adhesive layer320 b and the second adhesive layer 350 b may include an optical clearadhesive film (OCA film) or an adhesive material.

Accordingly, since the display device 300 b is formed to have a set orpredetermined curvature radius, the display device 300 b may be appliedto various members.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 400 b formanufacturing the display device 300 b of FIG. 19 , according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20 , the apparatus 400 b may include a first jig 410b, a second jig 420 b, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 430 b), and a cushion unit 490 b. An outer surface ofthe first jig 410 b on which the cover window 310 b is seated may beformed equally or similarly to an outer surface of the cover window 310b contacting the outer surface of the first jig 410 b. In furtherdetail, the first jig 410 b may have at least two curved surfaces havingcurvature radii of R1′, R2′, R3′, . . . , like the cover window 310 b.In particular, the first jig 410 b may be formed by being recessed awayfrom the second jig 420 b.

An outer surface of the second jig 420 b may protrude toward the firstjig 410 b to correspond to or engage with a recessed portion of thefirst jig 410 b (e.g., the first jig 410 b may have a recessed outersurface). The outer surface of the second jig 420 b may be at least twocurved surfaces having set or predetermined curvature radii.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 415 b and a seconddriving unit 425 b. The first driving unit 415 b may linearly move thefirst jig 410 b toward the second jig 420 b, and the second driving unit425 b may linearly move the second jig 420 b toward the first jig 410 b.The first driving unit 415 b and the second driving unit 425 b may beformed in the same manner as or a similar manner to those describedabove.

In addition, the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit 430 bprovided on the first jig 410 b and a second fixing unit provided on thesecond jig 420 b. For convenience of description, it will be assumedthat the fixing unit includes the first fixing unit 430 b. In addition,the first fixing unit 430 b and the second fixing unit may be formed inthe same manner or a similar manner, and thus a detailed description ofthe second fixing unit will not be given.

The first fixing unit 430 b may be formed in various ways. For example,the first fixing unit 430 b may include an adhesive member, an adhesivechuck, or an electrostatic chuck. In addition, the first fixing unit 430b may include a first absorption unit 431 b and a first absorption pump432 b that is connected to the first absorption unit 431 b. Inparticular, the first fixing unit 430 b is not limited thereto, and mayinclude a clamp, or a protrusion that is provided on the first jig 410 band mechanically restricts the cover window 310 b. However, forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the first fixingunit 430 b includes the first absorption unit 431 b and the firstabsorption pump 432 b.

The cushion unit 490 b may be provided on at least one of the first jig410 b or the second jig 420 b. In this case, the cushion unit 490 b isthe same as or similar to that described above, and thus a detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated. In addition, for convenienceof description, it will be assumed that the cushion unit 490 b isprovided only on the second jig 420 b and is integrally formed on anouter surface of the second jig 420 b.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 b by using theapparatus 400 b will now be described. First, the cover window 310 b andthe panel member 390 b may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 b is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the panel member 390 b may adhere the TSP 340 band the display panel 330 b by using the second adhesive layer 350 b.

After the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 b may be disposedon the first jig 410 b. The cover window 310 b may be formed to have atleast two curved surfaces having curvature radii as described above andmay be seated on an outer surface of the first jig 410 b. The firstabsorption pump 432 b may operate to absorb (e.g., evacuate or vacuum)air out of the first absorption unit 431 b, so that the cover window 310b may be fixed to the outer surface of the first jig 410 b.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 b and the display panel 330b adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 b may be disposed onthe second jig 420 b. The display panel 330 b may be disposed to facethe second jig 420 b, and the TSP 340 b may be disposed to face thefirst jig 410 b.

After the TSP 340 b and the display panel 330 b are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 b may be coated on the TSP340 b. The first adhesive layer 320 b may be formed of the same materialas or a similar material to that of the second adhesive layer 350 b.

When the cover window 310 b, the TSP 340 b, and the display panel 330 bare completely disposed as described above, the first jig 410 b and thesecond jig 420 b may be moved toward each other by driving the firstdriving unit 415 b and the second driving unit 425 b. A protrudingportion of the second jig 420 b may first contact the display panel 330b, and the first adhesive layer 320 b and the cover window 310 b may besequentially laminated from central portions of the display panel 330 bto both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 bcontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 410 b andthe second jig 420 b compress the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b may bereduced, and the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 b and the panel member390 b are attached to each other, the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

While the process is performed, the cushion unit 490 b may uniformlydistribute a force applied to the panel member 390 b and the coverwindow 310 b.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 415 b and thesecond driving unit 425 b may operate to separate the first jig 410 band the second jig 420 b. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 b from the first jig 410 b orthe second jig 420 b.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 400 b may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 410 b, the second jig 420 b, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus400 b may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 400 b may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 b. In addition, the apparatus 400 b may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 b and the panel member390 b when the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b arelaminated.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 500 b formanufacturing the display device 300 b of FIG. 19 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the apparatus 500 b includes a first jig 510 b, asecond jig 520 b, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example, firstfixing unit 530 b), and a cushion unit 590 b. In this case, the firstjig 510 b, the second jig 520 b, the driving unit M, the fixing unit,and the cushion unit 590 b are substantially the same as those describedabove, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 515 b and a seconddriving unit 525 b, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit530 b. The first driving unit 515 b, the second driving unit 525 b, andthe first fixing unit 530 b (which includes a first absorption unit 531b and a first absorption pump 532 b) are substantially the same as thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

The apparatus 500 b includes a clamping unit 550 b that is spaced apartby a set or predetermined interval from at least one of the first jig510 b or the second jig 520 b, and supports the panel member 390 b. Forconvenience of description, however, it will be assumed that theclamping unit 550 b is disposed adjacent to the second jig 520 b.

The clamping unit 550 b may support one end of the panel member 390 bwhen the one end of the panel member 390 b is inserted into the clampingunit 550 b. A plurality of the clamping units 550 b may be provided,where a distance S4 between the clamping units 550 b is less than alength or a width of the panel member 390 b. The panel member 390 b mayinclude at least one of the display panel 330 b or the TSP 340 b asdescribed above. For convenience of description, it will be assumed thatthe distance S4 between the plurality of clamping units 550 b is lessthan a width of the panel member 390 b and the panel member 390 bincludes the display panel 330 b and the TSP 340 b.

In particular, the plurality of clamping units 550 b face respectiveside surfaces of the second jig 520 b, and fix both ends of the displaypanel 330 b, the second adhesive layer 350 b, the TSP 340 b, and thefirst adhesive layer 320 b. The plurality of clamping units 550 binclude a first clamping unit 551 b and a second clamping unit 552 bthat are spaced apart by a set or predetermined interval from eachother.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 b may rapidly and easily manufacture thedisplay device 300 b having a curved surface and a simple structure. Inaddition, since the apparatus 500 b may accurately attach the coverwindow 310 b having a curved surface to the panel member 390 b, aproduct defect rate may be reduced or minimized.

In particular, since the apparatus 500 b includes the clamping unit 550b to accurately align the panel member 390 b and the cover window 310 b,working efficiency may be improved.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 b by using theapparatus 500 b will now be described with reference to FIG. 21 .

The cover window 310 b may be formed as described above, the displaypanel 330 b may be formed, and then the TSP 340 b and the display panel330 b may be adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 b. The coverwindow 310 b may be mounted on the first jig 510 b as described above.

Next, respective ends of the TSP 340 b on which the first adhesive layer320 b is attached are fixed to the first clamping unit 551 b and thesecond clamping unit 552 b. For example, the respective ends of panelmember 390 b may be fixed by being inserted into grooves formed in thefirst clamping unit 551 b and the second clamping unit 552 b asdescribed above.

Once the display panel 330 b, the second adhesive layer 350 b, the TSP340 b, and the first adhesive layer 320 b are fixed in this manner,portions of the display panel 330 b, the second adhesive layer 350 b,the TSP 340 b, and the first adhesive layer 320 b may be curved upward(for example, with respect to a gravity direction). In further detail,since a distance S4 between the first clamping unit 551 b and the secondclamping unit 552 b is less than at least one of a width or a length ofat least one of the display panel 330 b or the TSP 340 b, the portionsof the display panel 330 b, the second adhesive layer 350 b, the TSP 340b, and the first adhesive layer 320 b may protrude toward the first jig510 b.

When the display panel 330 b, the second adhesive layer 350 b, the TSP340 b, and the first adhesive layer 320 b are fixed as described above,the display panel 330 b, the second adhesive layer 350 b, the TSP 340 b,the first adhesive layer 320 b, and the cover window 310 b may becompressed against each other by moving at least one of the first jig510 b or the second jig 520 b. For convenience of description, it willbe assumed that the first adhesive layer 320 b and the cover window 310b are compressed by moving both the first jig 510 b and the second jig520 b.

When the first jig 510 b and the second jig 520 b move, the firstdriving unit 515 b and the second driving unit 525 b may operate to movethe first jig 510 b and the second jig 520 b closer to each other.

The upwardly curved portions of the display panel 330 b, the secondadhesive layer 350 b, the TSP 340 b, and the first adhesive layer 320 bfirst contact the cover window 310 b. When the first jig 510 b and thesecond jig 520 b continuously move, the display panel 330 b, the secondadhesive layer 350 b, the TSP 340 b, and the first adhesive layer 320 bmay be laminated to the cover window 310 b beginning from contactportions with the cover window 310 b toward both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 bcontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 510 b andthe second jig 520 b compress the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b may bereduced, and the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 b and the panel member390 b are attached to each other, the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

The cushion unit 590 b may uniformly distribute a force applied to thepanel member 390 b and the cover window 310 b when the panel member 390b and the cover window 310 b are compressed and laminated.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 500 b may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 510 b, the second jig 520 b, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus500 b may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 b may rapidly and accurately manufactureany type of display device 300 b having a curved surface. In particular,the apparatus 500 b may reduce or minimize a product defect rate byaccurately attaching the display panel 330 b and the cover window 310 bhaving a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 500 b may reduce or minimize a product defectrate by effectively removing air bubbles or preventing air bubbles frombeing generated after the display panel 330 b and the curved portionsare compressed.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 600 b formanufacturing the display device 300 b of FIG. 19 , according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 22 , the apparatus 600 b includes a first jig 610 b, asecond jig 620 b, a driving unit M, a clamping unit 650 b, a fixing unit(for example, first fixing unit 630 b), a linear driving unit L, and acushion unit 690 b. The first jig 610 b, the second jig 620 b, thelinear driving unit L, the clamping unit 650 b, the fixing unit, and thecushion unit 690 b may be substantially the same as those describedabove, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 615 b and a seconddriving unit 625 b, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit630 b. The first driving unit 615 b, the second driving unit 625 b, andthe first fixing unit 630 b may be substantially the same as thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In particular, the first fixing unit 630 b may include a firstabsorption pump 632 b and a first absorption unit 631 b.

The clamping unit 650 b may include a first clamping unit 651 b and asecond clamping unit 652 b. The first clamping unit 651 b and the secondclamping unit 652 b may be substantially the same as those describedabove, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The apparatus 600 b may include a linear driving unit L that includes afirst linear driving unit 660 b and a second linear driving unit 670 bthat respectively vertically move the first clamping unit 651 b and thesecond clamping unit 652 b. The first linear driving unit 660 b and thesecond linear driving unit 670 b may be formed similarly, and thus thefollowing description will focus on the first linear driving unit 660 b.

The first linear driving unit 660 b may include a first shaft 661 b thatis connected to the first clamping unit 651 b and linearly moves thefirst clamping unit 651 b. In addition, the first linear driving unit660 b may include a first driving module 665 b that drives the firstshaft 661 b. The first driving module 665 b may include a cylinder or amotor. For convenience of description, however, it will be assumed thatthe first driving module 665 b includes a motor. It will be furtherassumed that the first shaft 661 b includes a ball screw that is loweredor raised as the first driving module 665 b rotates.

The first linear driving unit 660 b may include a first elastic unit 663b that surrounds the first shaft 661 b. The first elastic unit 663 b mayinclude a compression spring, and may be formed of an elastic materialsuch as rubber. For convenience of description, however, it will beassumed that the first elastic unit 663 b includes a compression spring.

The first elastic unit 663 b may surround an outer surface of the firstshaft 661 b as described above and thus may provide a restoring force tothe first clamping unit 651 b when the first clamping unit 651 b moves.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 b by using theapparatus 600 b will be described. The cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be manufactured and prepared. The panel member 390 bmay include at least one of the display panel 330 b or the TSP 340 b asdescribed above. However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that the panel member 390 b includes both the display panel 330b and the TSP 340 b.

The display panel 330 b and the TSP 340 b may be attached by using thesecond adhesive layer 350 b, and then the first adhesive layer 320 b maybe formed on the TSP 340 b. Respective ends of the display panel 330 band the TSP 340 b on which the first adhesive layer 320 b is formed maybe fixed to the first clamping unit 651 b and the second clamping unit652 b.

Once the panel member 390 b is fixed to the first clamping unit 651 band the second clamping unit 652 b, one portion of the panel member 390b may be curved upward (for example, with respect to a gravitydirection). In further detail, since a distance S5 between the firstclamping unit 651 b and the second clamping unit 652 b is less than atleast one of a width or a length of the panel member 390 b, the upwardlycurved portion may protrude toward the first jig 610 b. In this case, itwill be assumed that the distance S5 between the first clamping unit 651b and the second clamping unit 652 b is less than a width of the panelmember 390 b.

After the panel member 390 b is disposed in this manner, the panelmember 390 b and the cover window 310 b may be compressed against eachother by moving at least one of the first jig 610 b or the second jig620 b. For convenience of description, however, it will be assumed thatthe panel member 390 b and the cover window 310 b are compressed bymoving both the first jig 610 b and the second jig 620 b.

While the first jig 610 b and the second jig 620 b move in this manner,the first linear driving unit 660 b and the second linear driving unit670 b may operate to vertically move the first clamping unit 651 b andthe second clamping unit 652 b. In particular, the first clamping unit651 b and the second clamping unit 652 b may move at a speed similar toa speed at which the second jig 620 b moves.

When the second jig 620 b, the first clamping unit 651 b, and the secondclamping unit 652 b are raised in this manner, the panel member 390 bmay be raised while maintaining its curved state. When a distancebetween the first jig 610 b and the second jig 620 b reaches a setdistance (for example, a predetermined distance), the first clampingunit 651 b and the second clamping unit 652 b may release from (forexample, reduce their clamping force from) the panel member 390 b.

During or after this releasing of the first clamping unit 651 b and thesecond clamping unit 652 b, the first linear driving unit 660 b and thesecond linear driving unit 670 b may lower the first clamping unit 651 band the second clamping unit 652 b.

Next, the first driving unit 615 b and the second driving unit 625 b maycontinuously operate to bring the first jig 610 b and the second jig 620b closer (for example, adjacent) to each other (for example, the secondjig 620 b may contact panel member 390 b). As the first jig 610 b andthe second jig 620 b move closer, the panel member 390 b and the coverwindow 310 b may be compressed against each other. A method ofcompressing the panel member 390 b and the cover window 310 b may beperformed in the same manner as that described above, and thus adetailed description thereof will not be repeated.

In particular, when the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 bcontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 610 b andthe second jig 620 b compress the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b may bereduced, and the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 b and the panel member390 b are attached to each other, the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

The cushion unit 690 b may uniformly distribute a force applied to thecover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b when the cover window 310b and the panel member 390 b are laminated due to compression.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 600 b may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 610 b, the second jig 620 b, the fixingunit, and the driving unit are disposed. In addition, the apparatus 600b may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure in thechamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 600 b may rapidly and accurately manufacturethe display device 300 b having a curved surface. In particular, theapparatus 600 b may reduce or minimize a product defect rate byaccurately attaching the panel member 390 b and the cover window 310 bhaving a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 600 b may improve product quality by removingair bubbles that may be generated (or preventing air bubbles from beinggenerated) when the panel member 390 b and the cover window 310 b arecompressed.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 700 b formanufacturing the display device 300 b of FIG. 19 , according to stillyet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 23 , the apparatus 700 b may include a first jig 710b, a second jig 720 b, a driving unit M, a clamping unit 750 b, a fixingunit (for example, first fixing unit 730 b), a linear driving unit L,and a cushion unit 790 b. The first jig 710 b and the second jig 720 bmay be substantially the same as those described above, and thus adetailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 715 b and a seconddriving unit 725 b, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit730 b. The first driving unit 715 b, the second driving unit 725 b, andthe first fixing unit 730 b (which includes first absorption unit 731 band first absorption pump 732 b) may be substantially the same as thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

In addition, the clamping unit 750 b may include a first clamping unit751 b and a second clamping unit 752 b. The first clamping unit 751 band the second clamping unit 752 b may be substantially the same asthose described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will notbe repeated.

The linear driving unit L may include a first linear driving unit 760 band a second linear driving unit 770 b, and the first linear drivingunit 760 b and the second linear driving unit 770 b may linearly movethe first clamping unit 751 b and the second clamping unit 752 b,respectively. In particular, the first linear driving unit 760 b and thesecond linear driving unit 770 b may linearly move the first clampingunit 751 b and the second clamping unit 752 b in a diagonal direction.Since the second linear driving unit 770 b may be formed similarly tothe first linear driving unit 760 b, the following description willfocus on the first linear driving unit 760 b.

In further detail, the first linear driving unit 760 b may include afirst shaft 761 b, a first driving module 765 b, and a first elasticunit 763 b. The first shaft 761 b, the first driving module 765 b, andthe first elastic unit 763 b may be formed in a similar manner to thosedescribed above (such as the first linear driving unit 760 in FIGS.12-13 ). The first shaft 761 b is disposed in a diagonal direction todiagonally move the first clamping unit 751 b.

In particular, when the first linear driving unit 760 b operates, thefirst driving module 765 b may vary a length of the first shaft 761 b.Since the first driving module 765 b and the first shaft 761 b arediagonally disposed with respect to the second jig 720 b as describedabove, the first clamping unit 751 b may be diagonally moved by varyingthe movement of the first shaft 761 b.

For example, when the first driving module 765 b operates to diagonallymove the first shaft 761 b downward with respect to the second jig 720b, the first clamping unit 751 b may diagonally move downward withrespect to the second jig 720 b as the first shaft 761 b moves.

When the first driving module 765 b operates in an opposite direction todiagonally move the first shaft 761 b upward with respect to the secondjig 720 b, the first clamping unit 751 b may diagonally move upward withrespect to the second jig 720 b as the first shaft 761 b moves.

The first shaft 761 b may include a ball screw as described above andthus may rotate as the first driving module 765 b operates. Inparticular, the first shaft 761 b may diagonally move downward or upwardwith respect to the second jig 720 b as the first driving module 765 brotates.

The cushion unit 790 b may be formed in various ways. For example, thecushion unit 790 b may be provided on an outer surface of at least oneof the first jig 710 b or the second jig 720 b. For ease of description,it will be assumed that the cushion unit 790 b is formed on an entireouter surface of the second jig 720 b.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 b may be similar tothat described above. In further detail, the panel member 390 b and thecover window 310 b may be manufactured and prepared. The panel member390 b may include the display panel 330 b and the TSP 340 b as describedabove. However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed thatthe panel member 390 b includes both the display panel 330 b and the TSP340 b.

When the display panel 330 b and the TSP 340 b are completelymanufactured as described above, the display panel 330 b and the TSP 340b may be adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 b, and the firstadhesive layer 320 b may be coated on the TSP 340 b.

The panel member 390 b manufactured as described above may be fixed bythe first clamping unit 751 b and the second clamping unit 752 b. Infurther detail, since a distance S6 between the first clamping unit 751b and the second clamping unit 752 b is less than at least one of awidth or a length of the panel member 390 b, an upwardly curved portionof the panel member 390 b may protrude toward the first jig 710 b. Inthis case, it will be assumed that the distance S6 between the firstclamping unit 751 b and the second clamping unit 752 b is less than awidth of the panel member 390 b. When the fixing is completed, the panelmember 390 b and the cover window 310 b may be compressed against eachother by moving at least one of the first jig 710 b or the second jig720 b. A method of compressing the panel member 390 b and the coverwindow 310 b may be similar to that described above, and thus a detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated.

When the first jig 710 b and the second jig 720 b move in this manner,the first clamping unit 751 b and the second clamping unit 752 b mayalso move. In particular, the first clamping unit 751 b and the secondclamping unit 752 b may be diagonally moved by the first linear drivingunit 760 b and the second linear driving unit 770 b, respectively. Thefirst clamping unit 751 b and the second clamping unit 752 b may beraised diagonally.

When the first clamping unit 751 b and the second clamping unit 752 bare raised and then an interval between the first jig 710 b and thesecond jig 720 b reaches a preset interval, both ends of the panelmember 390 b may be released. The panel member 390 b may be sequentiallyadhered to the cover window 310 b beginning from a protruding portiontoward both end portions.

After the releasing of the first clamping unit 751 b and the secondclamping unit 752 b, the first linear driving unit 760 b and the secondlinear driving unit 770 b may operate to lower the first clamping unit751 b and the second clamping unit 752 b. The first clamping unit 751 band the second clamping unit 752 b may be lowered diagonally.

While the first clamping unit 751 b and the second clamping unit 752 bare lowered, the first jig 710 b and the second jig 720 b may get closerto each other to compress the panel member 390 b and the cover window310 b. In this case, a method of adhering the panel member 390 b and thecover window 310 b through compression may be similar to that describedabove.

When the panel member 390 b and the cover window 310 b are compressed bymoving the first jig 710 b and the second jig 720 b as described above,the cushion unit 790 b may distribute a force applied to the panelmember 390 b and the cover window 310 b. In addition, the cushion unit790 b may help prevent the panel member 390 b or the cover window 310 bfrom being damaged by absorbing part of a force applied to the panelmember 390 b and the cover window 310 b.

In particular, when the cover window 310 b and the display panel 330 bcontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 710 b andthe second jig 720 b compress the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b may bereduced, and the cover window 310 b and the panel member 390 b may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 b and the panel member390 b are attached to each other, the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 700 b may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 710 b, the second jig 720 b, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus700 b may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 b and the panelmember 390 b are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 700 b may manufacture the display device 300b having a curved surface. In particular, the apparatus 700 b may reduceor minimize a product defect rate by accurately attaching the displaypanel 330 b and the cover window 310 b having a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 700 b may improve quality by removing airbubbles or preventing air bubbles from being generated after the displaypanel 330 b and the curved portions are compressed.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 300 caccording to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 24 , the display device 300 c may include a coverwindow 310 c and a panel member 390 c. The panel member 390 c mayinclude at least one of a TSP 340 c or a display panel 330 c. However,for convenience of description, it will be assumed that the panel member390 c includes both the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c.

The panel member 390 c may include a first adhesive layer 320 c, the TSP340 c, a second adhesive layer 350 c, and the display panel 330 c. Inparticular, the first adhesive layer 320 c, the TSP 340 c, the secondadhesive layer 350 c, and the display panel 330 c are the same as orsimilar to those described above, and thus a detailed descriptionthereof will not be repeated.

At least a portion of the cover window 310 c may be curved. In furtherdetail, a middle portion of the cover window 310 c may be flat and bothends of the middle portion may be curved. The cover window 310 c may beformed of a glass material or a plastic material as described above. Inparticular, the cover window 310 c may be formed such that a surface towhich the display panel 330 c is attached and on which an image or textis displayed is concave.

In the display device 300 c formed as described above, the cover window310 c, the TSP 340 c, and the display panel 330 c may be adhered andfixed by the first adhesive layer 320 c and the second adhesive layer350 c.

The TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c may be attached to aprotruding outer surface of the cover window 310 c. In further detail,the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c may be provided on aprotruding portion, instead of a recessed portion, of the curved coverwindow 310 c.

Accordingly, the display device 300 c shaped as described above may beapplied to various members.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 400 c formanufacturing the display device 300 c of FIG. 24 , according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 25 , the apparatus 400 c may include a first jig 410c, a second jig 420 c, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 430 c), and a cushion unit 490 c. At least a portionof the first jig 410 c may be formed equally or similarly to an outersurface of the cover window 310 c. In further detail, an outer surfaceof the first jig 410 c on which the cover window 310 c is seated may bethe same as or similar in shape to an outer surface of the cover window310 c seated on the outer surface of the first jig 410 c. In particular,the first jig 410 c may protrude toward the second jig 420 c.

An outer surface of the second jig 420 c may be recessed away from thefirst jig 410 c to correspond to or engage with a protruding portion ofthe first jig 410 c.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 415 c and a seconddriving unit 425 c. The first driving unit 415 c may linearly move thefirst jig 410 c toward the second jig 420 c, and the second driving unit425 c may linearly move the second jig 420 c toward the first jig 410 c.The first driving unit 415 c and the second driving unit 425 c may beformed in the same manner as or a similar manner to those describedabove.

In addition, the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit 430 cprovided on the first jig 410 c and a second fixing unit provided on thesecond jig 420 c. For convenience of description, it will be assumedthat the fixing unit includes the first fixing unit 430 c. In addition,the first fixing unit 430 c and the second fixing unit may be formed inthe same manner or a similar manner, and thus a detailed description ofthe second fixing unit will not be given.

The first fixing unit 430 c may be formed in various ways. For example,the first fixing unit 430 c may include an adhesive member, an adhesivechuck, or an electrostatic chuck. In addition, the first fixing unit 430c may include a first absorption unit, and a first absorption pump thatis connected to the first absorption unit as described above. Inparticular, the first fixing unit 430 c is not limited thereto, and mayinclude a clamp, or a protrusion that is provided on the first jig 410 cand mechanically restricts the cover window 310 c. However, forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the first fixingunit 430 c includes an adhesive member and is provided on an outersurface of a first cushion unit 493 c.

The cushion unit 490 c may be provided on at least one of the first jig410 c or the second jig 420 c. A size of the cushion unit 490 c may beless than a size of at least one of the cover window 310 c or the panelmember 390 c. In further detail, the cushion unit 490 c may be disposedonly on a contact portion with at least one of the cover window 310 c orthe panel member 390 c, and may be disposed to extend beyond the contactportion. The cushion unit 490 c may be the same as or similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

The cushion unit 490 c may include the first cushion unit 493 c that isprovided on a surface of the first jig 410 c, and a second cushion unit491 c that is provided on a surface of the second jig 420 c. The firstcushion unit 493 c and the second cushion unit 491 c may be integrallyformed and respectively provided on the first jig 410 c and the secondjig 420 c. In addition, a plurality of the first cushion units 493 c andthe second cushion units 491 c may be formed, and the plurality of firstcushion units 493 c and the plurality of second cushion units 491 c maybe provided on an outer surface of the first jig 410 c and an outersurface of the second jig 420 c, respectively, and spaced apart fromeach other. However, for convenience of description, it will be assumedthat the first cushion unit 493 c and the second cushion unit 491 c arerespectively provided on the first jig 410 c and the second jig 420 c.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 c by using theapparatus 400 c will now be described. First, the cover window 310 c andthe panel member 390 c may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 c is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c may beadhered to each other by using the second adhesive layer 350 c.

After the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 c may be disposedon the first jig 410 c. The cover window 310 c may be adhered and fixedto the first fixing unit 430 c. In particular, a size of the firstfixing unit 430 c may be less than a size of the cover window 310 c.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330c adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 c may be disposed onthe second jig 420 c. The display panel 330 c may be disposed to facethe second jig 420 c, and the TSP 340 c may be disposed to face thefirst jig 410 c.

After the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 c may be coated on the TSP340 c. The first adhesive layer 320 c may be formed of the same materialas or a similar material to that of the second adhesive layer 350 c.

When the panel member 390 c is completely disposed as described above,the first jig 410 c and the second jig 420 c may be moved toward eachother by driving the first driving unit 415 c and the second drivingunit 425 c.

In particular, when the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 ccontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 410 c andthe second jig 420 c compress the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c may bereduced, and the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c are attached to each other, the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

While the process is performed, the first cushion unit 493 c and thesecond cushion unit 491 c may uniformly distribute a force applied tothe cover window 310 c, the TSP 340 c, and the display panel 330 c.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 415 c and thesecond driving unit 425 c may operate to separate the first jig 410 cand the second jig 420 c. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 c from the first jig 410 c orthe second jig 420 c.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 400 c may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 410 c, the second jig 420 c, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus400 c may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after a lamination process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 400 c may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 c. In addition, the apparatus 400 c may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c when the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c arelaminated.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 500 c formanufacturing the display device 300 c of FIG. 24 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 26 , the apparatus 500 c may include a first jig 510c, a second jig 520 c, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 530 c), a cushion unit 590 c, and a clamping unit 550c. In this case, the first jig 510 c, the second jig 520 c, the drivingunit M, the fixing unit, and the cushion unit 590 c (including a firstcushion unit 593 c and a second cushion unit 591 c) are the same as orsimilar to those described above, and thus a detailed descriptionthereof will not be repeated.

The clamping unit 550 c may include a first clamping unit 551 c and asecond clamping unit 552 c. The first clamping unit 551 c and the secondclamping unit 552 c may be disposed to face each other on a side surfaceof the first jig 510 c or the second jig 520 c. However, for convenienceof description, it will be assumed that the first clamping unit 551 cand the second clamping unit 552 c are disposed to face each other on aside surface of the second jig 520 c. In addition, the first clampingunit 551 c and the second clamping unit 552 c are formed in the same orsimilar manner as those described above, and thus a detailed descriptionthereof will not be repeated.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 c by using theapparatus 500 c will now be described. First, the cover window 310 c andthe panel member 390 c may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 c is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c may beadhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 c.

After the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 c may be disposedon the first jig 510 c. The cover window 310 c may be adhered and fixedby a first fixing unit 530 c.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330c adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 c as described abovemay be disposed on the second jig 520 c. The display panel 330 c may bedisposed to face the second jig 520 c, and the TSP 340 c may be disposedto face the first jig 510 c. In particular, the display panel 330 c andthe TSP 340 c may be stacked, and an end of the display panel 330 c andan end of the TSP 340 c may be fixed by being inserted into the firstclamping unit 551 c and the second clamping unit 552 c.

After the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 c may be coated on the TSP340 c. The first adhesive layer 320 c may be formed of the same orsimilar material as that of the second adhesive layer 350 c.

When the cover window 310 c, the TSP 340 c, and the display panel 330 care completely disposed as described above, the first jig 510 c and thesecond jig 520 c may be moved toward each other by driving a firstdriving unit 515 c and a second driving unit 525 c. A flat portion ofthe cover window 310 c may first contact the first adhesive layer 320 c,and curved ends of the cover window 310 c may sequentially contact thefirst adhesive layer 320 c to be laminated.

In particular, when the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 ccontact each other as described above, a load range applied when thefirst jig 510 c and the second jig 520 c compress the cover window 310 cand the panel member 390 c may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa andless than or equal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa,an adhesive force between the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c may be reduced, and the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c may be delaminated and separated from each other. In addition,when the load range exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 c and thepanel member 390 c are attached to each other, the cover window 310 cand the panel member 390 c may be damaged, thereby reducing quality andreliability.

In addition, when the first jig 510 c and the second jig 520 c move asdescribed above, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c may be fixedwhile the first clamping unit 551 c and the second clamping unit 552 cdo not move.

While the process is performed, the first cushion unit 593 c and thesecond cushion unit 591 c may uniformly distribute a force applied tothe cover window 310 c, the TSP 340 c, and the display panel 330 c.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 515 c and thesecond driving unit 525 c may operate to separate the first jig 510 cand the second jig 520 c. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 c from the first jig 510 c orthe second jig 520 c.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 500 c may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 510 c, the second jig 520 c, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus500 c may include a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 c may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 c. In addition, the apparatus 500 c may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c when the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c arelaminated.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 600 c formanufacturing the display device 300 c of FIG. 24 , according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 27 , the apparatus 600 c may include a first jig 610c, a second jig 620 c, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 630 c), a cushion unit 690 c, a clamping unit 650 c,and a linear driving unit L. In this case, the first jig 610 c, thesecond jig 620 c, the driving unit M, the fixing unit, the cushion unit690 c (including a first cushion unit 693 c and a second cushion unit691 c), and the clamping unit 650 c are the same as or similar to thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

The linear driving unit L may include a first linear driving unit 660 cthat is provided on a first clamping unit 651 c and linearly moves thefirst clamping unit 651 c, and a second linear driving unit 670 c thatis provided on a second clamping unit 652 c and linearly moves thesecond clamping unit 652 c. In particular, the first linear driving unit660 c and the second linear driving unit 670 c may respectively linearlymove the first clamping unit 651 c and the second clamping unit 652 c inthe same direction as a direction in which the second jig 620 c moves(e.g., in a moving direction of the second jig 620 c). The first lineardriving unit 660 c and the second linear driving unit 670 c may beformed in the same or similar manner. For convenience of description,the following description will focus on the first linear driving unit660 c.

The first linear driving unit 660 c may include a first shaft 661 c thatis connected to the first clamping unit 651 c and linearly moves. Inaddition, the first linear driving unit 660 c may include a firstdriving module 665 c that drives the first shaft 661 c. The firstdriving module 665 c may be formed to include a cylinder or a motor.However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed that thefirst driving module 665 c includes a motor. In addition, it will beassumed that the first shaft 661 c includes a ball screw that is raisedand lowered as the first driving module 665 c rotates.

The first linear driving unit 660 c may include a first elastic unit 663c that surrounds the first shaft 661 c. The first elastic unit 663 c mayinclude a compression spring, or may be formed of an elastic materialsuch as rubber. However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that the first elastic unit 663 c includes a compression spring.

The first elastic unit 663 c may be disposed to surround an outersurface of the first shaft 661 c as described above, and thus mayprovide a restoring force to the first clamping unit 651 c when thefirst clamping unit 651 c moves.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 c by using theapparatus 600 c will now be described. First, the cover window 310 c andthe panel member 390 c may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 c is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c may beadhered to each other by using the second adhesive layer 350 c.

After the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 c may be disposedon the first jig 610 c. The cover window 310 c may be adhered and fixedby the first fixing unit 630 c. In addition, the cover window 310 c maybe disposed such that a protruding portion faces the second jig 620 c.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330c adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 c as described abovemay be disposed on the second jig 620 c. The display panel 330 c may bedisposed to face the second jig 620 c, and the TSP 340 c may be disposedto face the first jig 610 c. In particular, the display panel 330 c andthe TSP 340 c may be stacked, and an end of the display panel 330 c andan end of the TSP 340 c may be fixed by being inserted into the firstclamping unit 651 c and the second clamping unit 652 c. In addition, acentral portion of the display panel 330 c and a central portion of theTSP 340 c may be disposed adjacent to a recessed portion of the secondjig 620 c, or may be disposed adjacent to the cover window 310 c.However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed that acentral portion of the display panel 330 c and a central portion of theTSP 340 c are disposed adjacent to a recessed portion of the second jig620 c.

After the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 c may be coated on the TSP340 c. The first adhesive layer 320 c may be formed of the same orsimilar material as that of the second adhesive layer 350 c. In anotherembodiment, the first adhesive layer 320 c may be coated on the TSP 340c before the display panel 330 c and the TSP 340 c are disposed on thefirst clamping unit 651 c and the second clamping unit 652 c.

When the cover window 310 c, the TSP 340 c, and the display panel 330 care completely disposed as described above, the first jig 610 c and thesecond jig 620 c may be moved toward each other by driving a firstdriving unit 615 c and a second driving unit 625 c. The cover window 310c and the panel member 390 c may sequentially contact and laminatedbeginning from a flat portion of the cover window 310 c toward both endsof the panel member 390 c.

In particular, when the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 ccontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 610 c andthe second jig 620 c compress the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c may bereduced, and the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c are attached to each other, the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

In addition, when the first jig 610 c and the second jig 620 c move asdescribed above, the first clamping unit 651 c and the second clampingunit 652 c may fix the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c whilelinearly moving as the first jig 610 c and the second jig 620 c move.The first linear driving unit 660 c and the second linear driving unit670 c may be controlled based on a linear movement of at least one ofthe first jig 610 c or the second jig 620 c.

While the process is performed, the first cushion unit 693 c and thesecond cushion unit 691 c may uniformly distribute a force applied tothe cover window 310 c, the TSP 340 c, and the display panel 330 c.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 615 c and thesecond driving unit 625 c may operate to separate the first jig 610 cand the second jig 620 c. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 c from the first jig 610 c orthe second jig 620 c.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 600 c may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 610 c, the second jig 620 c, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus600 c may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after a process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 600 c may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 c. In addition, the apparatus 600 c may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c when the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c arelaminated.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 700 c formanufacturing the display device 300 c of FIG. 24 , according to stillyet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 28 , the apparatus 700 c may include a first jig 710c, a second jig 720 c, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 730 c), a cushion unit 790 c, a clamping unit 750 c,and a linear driving unit L. In this case, the first jig 710 c, thesecond jig 720 c, the driving unit M, the fixing unit, the cushion unit790 c, the clamping unit 750 c, and the linear driving unit L are thesame as or similar to those described above, and thus a detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated.

The linear driving unit L may include a first linear driving unit 760 cthat is provided on a first clamping unit 751 c and linearly moves thefirst clamping unit 751 c, and a second linear driving unit 770 c thatis provided on a second clamping unit 752 c and linearly moves thesecond clamping unit 752 c. The first linear driving unit 760 c and thesecond linear driving unit 770 c may respectively linearly move thefirst clamping unit 751 c and the second clamping unit 752 c in adiagonal direction. In particular, the first linear driving unit 760 cand the second linear driving unit 770 c may linearly move the firstclamping unit 751 c and the second clamping unit 752 c such thatmovement directions of the first clamping unit 751 c and the secondclamping unit 752 c form angles with respect to a movement direction ofthe second jig 720 c.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 c by using theapparatus 700 c will now be described. First, the cover window 310 c andthe panel member 390 c may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 c is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c may beadhered to each other by using the second adhesive layer 350 c.

After the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 c may be disposedon the first jig 710 c. The cover window 310 c may be adhered and fixedby the first adhesive layer 320 c.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330c adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 c as described abovemay be disposed on the second jig 720 c. The display panel 330 c may bedisposed to face the second jig 720 c, and the TSP 340 c may be disposedto face the first jig 710 c. In particular, the display panel 330 c andthe TSP 340 c may be stacked, and an end of the display panel 330 c andan end of the TSP 340 c may be fixed by being inserted into the firstclamping unit 751 c and the second clamping unit 752 c. The displaypanel 330 c and the TSP 340 c may be disposed such that central portionsare lower in position than other portions due to the first clamping unit751 c and the second clamping unit 752 c.

After the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 c may be coated on the TSP340 c. The first adhesive layer 320 c may be formed of the same orsimilar material as that of the second adhesive layer 350 c. In anotherembodiment, the first adhesive layer 320 c may be coated on the TSP 340c before the display panel 330 c and the TSP 340 c are disposed on thefirst clamping unit 751 c and the second clamping unit 752 c asdescribed above.

When the cover window 310 c, the TSP 340 c, and the display panel 330 care completely disposed as described above, the first jig 710 c and thesecond jig 720 c may be moved toward each other by driving a firstdriving unit 715 c and a second driving unit 725 c. A flat portion ofthe cover window 310 c may first contact the first adhesive layer 320 c,and both end portions of the cover window 310 c may sequentially contactthe first adhesive layer 320 c to be laminated.

In particular, when the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 ccontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 710 c andthe second jig 720 c compress the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c may bereduced, and the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c are attached to each other, the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

In addition, when the first jig 710 c and the second jig 720 c move asdescribed above, the first clamping unit 751 c and the second clampingunit 752 c may fix the TSP 340 c and the display panel 330 c whilelinearly moving as the first jig 710 c and the second jig 720 c move.The first linear driving unit 760 c and the second linear driving unit770 c may be controlled based on a linear movement of at least one ofthe first jig 710 c or the second jig 720 c.

While the process is performed, a first cushion unit 793 c and a secondcushion unit 791 c may uniformly distribute a force applied to the coverwindow 310 c, the TSP 340 c, and the display panel 330 c.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 715 c and thesecond driving unit 725 c may operate to separate the first jig 710 cand the second jig 720 c. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 c from the first jig 710 c orthe second jig 720 c.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 700 c may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 710 c, the second jig 720 c, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus700 c may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 c and the panelmember 390 c are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after a process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 700 c may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 c. In addition, the apparatus 700 c may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 c and the panel member390 c when the cover window 310 c and the panel member 390 c arelaminated.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 300 daccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 29 , the display device 300 d may include a coverwindow 310 d and a panel member 390 d as described above. In addition,the display device 300 d may include a first adhesive layer 320 d thatis disposed between the panel member 390 d and the cover window 310 d.The panel member 390 d may include a display panel 330 d and a TSP 340 das described above. In particular, a second adhesive layer 350 d may beprovided between the display panel 330 d and the TSP 340 d to attach thedisplay panel 330 d and the TSP 340 d.

The cover window 310 d may be formed such that at least a portion of thecover window 310 d is curved. In particular, the cover window 310 d maybe formed such that a surface to which the panel member 390 d isattached and on which an image or text is displayed is curved. Inparticular, the cover window 310 d may be formed to have a curvedsurface having a curvature radius of R. The cover window 310 d may beformed to have a curved surface having a set or predetermined curvatureradius in a longitudinal direction or a width direction. However, forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the cover window 310d is formed to have a curved surface having a set or predeterminedcurvature radius and the curved surface is formed in a width directionof the cover window 310 d.

In particular, the cover window 310 d may be formed such that a convexportion of the cover window 310 d faces the first adhesive layer 320 d.The TSP 340 d, the second adhesive layer 350 d, and the display panel330 d may be attached and fixed to a convex outer surface of the coverwindow 310 d on the first adhesive layer 320 d.

Accordingly, since the display device 300 d is formed to have a set orpredetermined curvature radius, the display device 300 d may be appliedto various members.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 400 d formanufacturing the display device 300 d of FIG. 29 , according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 30 , the apparatus 400 d may include a first jig 410d, a second jig 420 d, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 430 d), and a cushion unit 490 d (including a firstcushion unit 493 d and a second cushion unit 491 d). An outer surface ofthe first jig 410 d on which the cover window 310 d is seated may be thesame as or similar to an outer surface of the cover window 310 dcontacting the first jig 410 d. In further detail, the first jig 410 dmay have a curved surface having a set or predetermined curvature radiusto correspond to the cover window 310 d. In particular, the first jig410 d may be formed to protrude toward the second jig 420 d.

An outer surface of the second jig 420 d may be recessed away from thefirst jig 410 d to correspond to or engage with a protruding portion ofthe first jig 410 d. The outer surface of the second jig 420 d may be acurved surface having a set or predetermined curvature radius.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 415 d and a seconddriving unit 425 d. The first driving unit 415 d may linearly move thefirst jig 410 d toward the second jig 420 d, and the second driving unit425 d may linearly move the second jig 420 d toward the first jig 410 d.The first driving unit 415 d and the second driving unit 425 d may beformed in the same manner as or a similar manner to those describedabove.

In addition, the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit 430 dprovided on the first jig 410 d and a second fixing unit provided on thesecond jig 420 d. For convenience of description, it will be assumedthat the fixing unit includes the first fixing unit 430 d. In addition,the first fixing unit 430 d and the second fixing unit may be formed inthe same manner or a similar manner, and thus a detailed description ofthe second fixing unit will not be given.

The first fixing unit 430 d may be formed in various ways. For example,the first fixing unit 430 d may include an adhesive member, an adhesivechuck, or an electrostatic chuck. In addition, the first fixing unit 430d may include a first absorption unit, and a first absorption pump thatis connected to the first absorption unit. In particular, the firstfixing unit 430 d is not limited thereto, and may include a clamp, or aprotrusion that is provided on the first jig 410 d and mechanicallyrestricts the cover window 310 d. However, for convenience ofdescription, it will be assumed that the first fixing unit 430 dincludes an adhesive member.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 d by using theapparatus 400 d will now be described. First, the cover window 310 d andthe panel member 390 d may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 d is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d may beadhered to each other by using the second adhesive layer 350 d.

After the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 d may be disposedon the first jig 410 d. The cover window 310 d may be formed to have acurved surface having a set or predetermined curvature radius of R asdescribed above and may be seated on an outer surface of the first jig410 d. The first fixing unit 430 d may adhere and fix the cover window310 d.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330d adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 d may be disposed onthe second jig 420 d. The display panel 330 d may be disposed to facethe second jig 420 d, and the TSP 340 d may be disposed to face thefirst jig 410 d.

After the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 d may be coated on the TSP340 d. The first adhesive layer 320 d may be formed of the same materialas or a similar material to that of the second adhesive layer 350 d.

When the cover window 310 d, the TSP 340 d, and the display panel 330 dare completely disposed as described above, the first jig 410 d and thesecond jig 420 d may be moved toward each other by driving the firstdriving unit 415 d and the second driving unit 425 d. A protrudingportion of the cover window 310 d may first contact the first adhesivelayer 320 d, and the first adhesive layer 320 d and the cover window 310d may be sequentially laminated from central portions of the displaypanel 330 d toward both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 dcontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 410 d andthe second jig 420 d compress the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d may bereduced, and the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 d and the panel member390 d are attached to each other, the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

While the process is performed, the cushion unit 490 d may uniformlydistribute a force applied to the cover window 310 d, the TSP 340 d, andthe display panel 330 d.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 415 d and thesecond driving unit 425 d may operate to separate the first jig 410 dand the second jig 420 d. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 d from the first jig 410 d orthe second jig 420 d.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 400 d may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 410 d, the second jig 420 d, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus400 d may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 400 d may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 d. In addition, the apparatus 400 d may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 d and the panel member390 d when the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d arelaminated.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 500 d formanufacturing the display device 300 d of FIG. 29 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 31 , the apparatus 500 d may include a first jig 510d, a second jig 520 d, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 530 d), a cushion unit 590 d, and a clamping unit 550d. In this case, the first jig 510 d, the second jig 520 d, the drivingunit M, the fixing unit, and the cushion unit 590 d (including a firstcushion unit 593 d and a second cushion unit 591 d) are the same as orsimilar to those described above, and thus a detailed descriptionthereof will not be repeated.

The clamping unit 550 d may include a first clamping unit 551 d and asecond clamping unit 552 d. The first clamping unit 551 d and the secondclamping unit 552 d may be disposed to face each other on a side surfaceof the first jig 510 d or the second jig 520 d. However, for convenienceof description, it will be assumed that the first clamping unit 551 dand the second clamping unit 552 d are disposed to face each other on aside surface of the second jig 520 d. In addition, the first clampingunit 551 d and the second clamping unit 552 d are formed in the same orsimilar manner as those described above, and thus a detailed descriptionthereof will not be repeated.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 d by using theapparatus 500 d will now be described. First, the cover window 310 d andthe panel member 390 d may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 d is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d may beadhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 d.

After the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 d may be disposedon the first jig 510 d. The cover window 310 d may be formed to have acurved surface having a set or predetermined curvature radius of R asdescribed above and may be seated on an outer surface of the first jig510 d. The cover window 310 d may be adhered and fixed by the firstfixing unit 530 d.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330d adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 d as described abovemay be disposed on the second jig 520 d. The display panel 330 d may bedisposed to face the second jig 520 d, and the TSP 340 d may be disposedto face the first jig 510 d. The display panel 330 d and the TSP 340 dmay be stacked, and an end of the display panel 330 d and an end of theTSP 340 d may be fixed by being inserted into the first clamping unit551 d and the second clamping unit 552 d.

After the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 d may be coated on the TSP340 d. The first adhesive layer 320 d may be formed of the same orsimilar material as that of the second adhesive layer 350 d.

When the cover window 310 d, the TSP 340 d, and the display panel 330 dare completely disposed as described above, the first jig 510 d and thesecond jig 520 d may be moved toward each other by driving a firstdriving unit 515 d and a second driving unit 525 d. A protruding portionof the cover window 310 d may first contact the first adhesive layer 320d, and the first adhesive layer 320 d and the cover window 310 d may besequentially laminated from central portions of the display panel 330 dtoward both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 dare adhered to each other as described above, a load range applied whenthe first jig 510 d and the second jig 520 d compress the cover window310 d and the panel member 390 d may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPaand less than or equal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3MPa, an adhesive force between the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d may be reduced, and the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d may be delaminated and separated from each other. Inaddition, when the load range exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 dand the panel member 390 d are attached to each other, the cover window310 d and the panel member 390 d may be damaged, thereby reducingquality and reliability.

In addition, when the first jig 510 d and the second jig 520 d move asdescribed above, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d may be fixedwhile the first clamping unit 551 d and the second clamping unit 552 ddo not move.

While the process is performed, the first cushion unit 593 d and thesecond cushion unit 591 d may uniformly distribute a force applied tothe cover window 310 d, the TSP 340 d, and the display panel 330 d.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 515 d and thesecond driving unit 525 d may operate to separate the first jig 510 dand the second jig 520 d. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 d from the first jig 510 d orthe second jig 520 d.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 500 d may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 510 d, the second jig 520 d, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus500 d may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 d may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 d. In addition, the apparatus 500 d may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 d and the panel member390 d when the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d arelaminated.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 600 d formanufacturing the display device 300 d of FIG. 29 , according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 32 , the apparatus 600 d may include a first jig 610d, a second jig 620 d, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 630 d), a cushion unit 690 d, a clamping unit 650 d,and a linear driving unit L. In this case, the first jig 610 d, thesecond jig 620 d, the driving unit M, the fixing unit, the cushion unit690 d, and the clamping unit 650 d are the same as or similar to thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

The linear driving unit L may include a first linear driving unit 660 dthat is provided on a first clamping unit 651 d and linearly moves thefirst clamping unit 651 d, and a second linear driving unit 670 d thatis provided on a second clamping unit 652 d and linearly moves thesecond clamping unit 652 d. In particular, the first linear driving unit660 d and the second linear driving unit 670 d may respectively linearlymove the first clamping unit 651 d and the second clamping unit 652 d inthe same direction as a direction in which the second jig 620 d moves.The first linear driving unit 660 d and the second linear driving unit670 d may be formed in the same or similar manner. For convenience ofdescription, the following description will focus on the first lineardriving unit 660 d.

The first linear driving unit 660 d may include a first shaft 661 d thatis connected to the first clamping unit 651 d and linearly moves thefirst clamping unit 651 d. In addition, the first linear driving unit660 d may include a first driving module 665 d that drives the firstshaft 661 d. The first driving module 665 d may be formed to include acylinder or a motor. However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that the first driving module 665 d includes a motor. Inaddition, it will be assumed that the first shaft 661 d includes a ballscrew that is raised and lowered as the first driving module 665 drotates.

The first linear driving unit 660 d may include a first elastic unit 663d that surrounds the first shaft 661 d. The first elastic unit 663 d mayinclude a compression spring, or may be formed of an elastic materialsuch as rubber. However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that the first elastic unit 663 d includes a compression spring.

The first elastic unit 663 d may be disposed to surround an outersurface of the first shaft 661 d as described above, and thus mayprovide a restoring force to the first clamping unit 651 d when thefirst clamping unit 651 d moves.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 d by using theapparatus 600 d will now be described. First, the cover window 310 d andthe panel member 390 d may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 d is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d may beadhered to each other by using the second adhesive layer 350 d.

After the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 d may be disposedon the first jig 610 d. The cover window 310 d may be formed to have acurved surface having a set or predetermined curvature radius of R asdescribed above, and may be seated on an outer surface of the first jig610 d. The cover window 310 d may be adhered and fixed by the firstfixing unit 630 d.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330d adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 d as described abovemay be disposed on the second jig 620 d. The display panel 330 d may bedisposed to face the second jig 620 d, and the TSP 340 d may be disposedto face the first jig 610 d. In particular, the display panel 330 d andthe TSP 340 d may be stacked, and an end of the display panel 330 d andan end of the TSP 340 d may be fixed by being inserted into a firstclamping unit 651 d and a second clamping unit 652 d.

The display panel 330 d and the TSP 340 d may be disposed such that atleast one portion protrudes more than other portions toward the coverwindow 310 d or toward the second jig 620 d. However, for convenience ofdescription, it will be assumed that at least one portion of the displaypanel 330 d and the TSP 340 d protrudes more than other portions towardthe second jig 620 d.

After the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 d may be coated on the TSP340 d. The first adhesive layer 320 d may be formed of the same orsimilar material as that of the second adhesive layer 350 d.

When the cover window 310 d, the TSP 340 d, and the display panel 330 dare completely disposed as described above, the first jig 610 d and thesecond jig 620 d may be moved toward each other by driving a firstdriving unit 615 d and a second driving unit 625 d. A protruding portionof the cover window 310 d may first contact the first adhesive layer 320d, and the first adhesive layer 320 d and the cover window 310 d may besequentially laminated from central portions of the display panel 330 dtoward both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 dcontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 610 d andthe second jig 620 d compress the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d may bereduced, and the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 d and the panel member390 d are attached to each other, the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

In addition, when the first jig 610 d and the second jig 620 d move asdescribed above, the first clamping unit 651 d and the second clampingunit 652 d may fix the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d whilelinearly moving as the first jig 610 d and the second jig 620 d move.The first linear driving unit 660 d and the second linear driving unit670 d may be controlled based on a linear movement of at least one ofthe first jig 610 d or the second jig 620 d.

While the process is performed, a first cushion unit 693 d and a secondcushion unit 691 d may uniformly distribute a force applied to the coverwindow 310 d, the TSP 340 d, and the display panel 330 d.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 615 d and thesecond driving unit 625 d may operate to separate the first jig 610 dand the second jig 620 d. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 d from the first jig 610 d orthe second jig 620 d.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 600 d may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 610 d, the second jig 620 d, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus600 d may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after a process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 600 d may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 d. In addition, the apparatus 600 d may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 d and the panel member390 d when the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d arelaminated.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 700 d formanufacturing the display device 300 d of FIG. 29 , according to stillyet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 33 , the apparatus 700 d may include a first jig 710d, a second jig 720 d, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 730 d), a cushion unit 790 d, a clamping unit 750 d,and a linear driving unit L. In this case, the first jig 710 d, thesecond jig 720 d, the driving unit M, the fixing unit, the cushion unit790 d, the clamping unit 750 d, and the linear driving unit L are thesame as or similar to those described above, and thus a detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated.

The linear driving unit L may include a first linear driving unit 760 dthat is provided on the first clamping unit 751 d and linearly moves thefirst clamping unit 751 d, and a second linear driving unit 770 d thatis provided on the second clamping unit 752 d and linearly moves thesecond clamping unit 752 d. The first linear driving unit 760 d and thesecond linear driving unit 770 d may respectively linearly move thefirst clamping unit 751 d and the second clamping unit 752 d in adiagonal direction. In particular, the first linear driving unit 760 dand the second linear driving unit 770 d may linearly move the firstclamping unit 751 d and the second clamping unit 752 d such thatmovement directions of the first clamping unit 751 d and the secondclamping unit 752 d form angles with respect to a movement direction ofthe second jig 720 d.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 d by using theapparatus 700 d will now be described. First, the cover window 310 d andthe panel member 390 d may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 d is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d may beadhered to each other by using the second adhesive layer 350 d.

After the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 d may be disposedon the first jig 710 d. The cover window 310 d may be formed to have acurved surface having a set or predetermined curvature radius of R asdescribed above, and may be seated on an outer surface of the first jig710 d. The cover window 310 d may be adhered and fixed by the firstfixing unit 730 d.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330d adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 d as described abovemay be disposed on the second jig 720 d. The display panel 330 d may bedisposed to face the second jig 720 d, and the TSP 340 d may be disposedto face the first jig 710 d. In particular, the display panel 330 d andthe TSP 340 d may be stacked, and an end of the display panel 330 d andan end of the TSP 340 d may be fixed by being inserted into the firstclamping unit 751 d and the second clamping unit 752 d.

The display panel 330 d and the TSP 340 d may be disposed such thatcentral portions are lower in position than other portions due to thefirst clamping unit 751 d and the second clamping unit 752 d. In otherembodiments, the display panel 330 d and the TSP 340 d may be disposedsuch that central portions are higher in position than other portions.However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed that centralportions of the display panel 330 d and the TSP 340 d are lower inposition than other portions.

After the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 d may be coated on the TSP340 d. The first adhesive layer 320 d may be formed of the same orsimilar material as that of the second adhesive layer 350 d.

When the cover window 310 d, the TSP 340 d, and the display panel 330 dare completely disposed as described above, the first jig 710 d and thesecond jig 720 d may be moved toward each other by driving a firstdriving unit 715 d and a second driving unit 725 d. A protruding portionof the cover window 310 d may first contact the first adhesive layer 320d, and the first adhesive layer 320 d and the cover window 310 d may besequentially laminated from central portions of the display panel 330 dtoward both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 dcontact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 710 d andthe second jig 720 d compress the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d may bereduced, and the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 d and the panel member390 d are attached to each other, the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

In addition, when the first jig 710 d and the second jig 720 d move asdescribed above, the first clamping unit 751 d and the second clampingunit 752 d may fix the TSP 340 d and the display panel 330 d whilelinearly moving as the first jig 710 d and the second jig 720 d move.The first linear driving unit 760 d and the second linear driving unit770 d may be controlled based on a linear movement of at least one ofthe first jig 710 d or the second jig 720 d.

While the process is performed, a first cushion unit 793 d and a secondcushion unit 791 d may uniformly distribute a force applied to the coverwindow 310 d, the TSP 340 d, and the display panel 330 d.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 715 d and thesecond driving unit 725 d may operate to separate the first jig 710 dand the second jig 720 d. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 d from the first jig 710 d orthe second jig 720 d.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 700 d may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 710 d, the second jig 720 d, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus700 d may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 d and the panelmember 390 d are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after a process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 700 d may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 d. In addition, the apparatus 700 d may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 d and the panel member390 d when the cover window 310 d and the panel member 390 d arelaminated.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device 300 eaccording to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 34 , the display device 300 e may include a coverwindow 310 e and a panel member 390 e as described above. In addition,the display device 300 e may include a first adhesive layer 320 e thatis disposed between the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e.The panel member 390 e may include a display panel 330 e and a TSP 340 eas described above. In particular, a second adhesive layer 350 e may beprovided between the display panel 330 e and the TSP 340 e to attach thedisplay panel 330 e and the TSP 340 e.

At least a portion of the cover window 310 e may be curved. The coverwindow 310 e may be formed such that a surface to which the panel member390 e is attached and on which an image or text is displayed is concave.

The cover window 310 e may be formed to have at least one curved surfacehaving a curvature radius. In some embodiments, the cover window 310 emay be formed to have a first curved surface having a curvature radiusof R1, a second curved surface having a curvature radius of R2, and mayfurther include a third curved surface having a curvature radius of R3in a longitudinal direction or a width direction. In other embodiments,the cover window 310 e may further include curved surfaces havingcurvature radii of R4, R5, . . . , and RN(N is a natural number) inaddition to the curved surfaces having the curvature radii of R1, R2,and R3. However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed thatthe cover window 310 e is formed to have the first, second, and thirdcurved surfaces having the curvature radii of R1, R2, and R3 in a widthdirection.

In particular, the cover window 310 e may be formed to protrude towardthe first adhesive layer 320 e. The TSP 340 e, the second adhesive layer350 e, and the display panel 330 e may be sequentially stacked and fixedto a protruding outer surface of the cover window 310 e on the firstadhesive layer 320 e. Accordingly, since the display device 300 e isformed to have a set or predetermined curvature radii, the displaydevice 300 e may be applied to various members.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 400 e formanufacturing the display device 300 e of FIG. 34 , according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 35 , the apparatus 400 e may include a first jig 410e, a second jig 420 e, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example,first fixing unit 430 e), and a cushion unit 490 e. An outer surface ofthe first jig 410 e on which the cover window 310 e is seated may beformed equally or similarly to an outer surface of the cover window 310e contacting the outer surface of the first jig 410 e. In furtherdetail, the first jig 410 e may have at least two curved surfaces havingcurvature radii of R1′, R2′, R3′, . . . , like the cover window 310 e.In particular, the first jig 410 e may be formed to protrude toward thesecond jig 420 e.

An outer surface of the second jig 420 e may be recessed away from thefirst jig 410 e to correspond to or engage with a protruding portion ofthe first jig 410 e. The outer surface of the second jig 420 e mayinclude at least two curved surfaces having set or predeterminedcurvature radii.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 415 e and a seconddriving unit 425 e. The first driving unit 415 e may linearly move thefirst jig 410 e toward the second jig 420 e, and the second driving unit425 e may linearly move the second jig 420 e toward the first jig 410 e.The first driving unit 415 e and the second driving unit 425 e may beformed in the same manner as or a similar manner to those describedabove.

In addition, the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit 430 eprovided on the first jig 410 e and a second fixing unit provided on thesecond jig 420 e. For convenience of description, it will be assumedthat the fixing unit includes the first fixing unit 430 e. In addition,the first fixing unit 430 e and the second fixing unit may be formed inthe same manner or a similar manner, and thus a detailed description ofthe second fixing unit will not be given.

The first fixing unit 430 e may be formed in various ways. For example,the first fixing unit 430 e may include an adhesive member, an adhesivechuck, or an electrostatic chuck. In addition, the first fixing unit 430e may include a first absorption unit, and a first absorption pump thatis connected to the first absorption unit. In particular, the firstfixing unit 430 e is not limited thereto, and may include a clamp, or aprotrusion that is provided on the first jig 410 e and mechanicallyrestricts the cover window 310 e. However, for convenience ofdescription, it will be assumed that the first fixing unit 430 eincludes an adhesive member.

The cushion unit 490 e may be provided on at least one of the first jig410 e or the second jig 420 e. In this case, the cushion unit is thesame as or similar to that described above, and thus a detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated. In addition, for convenienceof description, it will be assumed that the cushion unit is provided oneach of the first jig 410 e and the second jig 420 e.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 e by using theapparatus 400 e will now be described. First, the cover window 310 e andthe panel member 390 e may be manufactured and prepared. In this case, amethod of manufacturing the cover window 310 e is similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated. In addition, the TSP 340 e and the display panel 330 e may beadhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 e.

After the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e are manufacturedand prepared as described above, the cover window 310 e may be disposedon the first jig 410 e. The cover window 310 e may be formed to have atleast two curved surfaces having curvature radii as described above andmay be seated on an outer surface of the first jig 410 e. The coverwindow 310 e may be adhered and fixed by the first fixing unit 430 e.

While the process is performed, the TSP 340 e and the display panel 330e adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 e may be disposed onthe second jig 420 e. The display panel 330 e may be disposed to facethe second jig 420 e, and the TSP 340 e may be disposed to face thefirst jig 410 e.

After the TSP 340 e and the display panel 330 e are disposed asdescribed above, the first adhesive layer 320 e may be coated on the TSP340 e. The first adhesive layer 320 e may be formed of the same materialas or a similar material to that of the second adhesive layer 350 e.

When the cover window 310 e, the TSP 340 e, and the display panel 330 eare completely disposed as described above, the first jig 410 e and thesecond jig 420 e may be moved toward each other by driving the firstdriving unit 415 e and the second driving unit 425 e. A protrudingportion of the cover window 310 e may first contact the first adhesivelayer 320 e, and the first adhesive layer 320 e and the cover window 310e may be sequentially laminated from central portions of the displaypanel 330 e to both end portions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 econtact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 410 e andthe second jig 420 e compress the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e may bereduced, and the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 e and the panel member390 e are attached to each other, the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

While the process is performed, a first cushion unit 493 e and a secondcushion unit 491 e may uniformly distribute a force applied to the panelmember 390 e and the cover window 310 e.

When the process is completed, the first driving unit 415 e and thesecond driving unit 425 e may operate to separate the first jig 410 eand the second jig 420 e. The operator may complete an operation byremoving the completed display device 300 e from the first jig 410 e orthe second jig 420 e.

The operation may be performed in a vacuum state. In further detail, theapparatus 400 e may include a chamber (see, for example, chamber C inFIG. 4C) in which the first jig 410 e, the second jig 420 e, the fixingunit, and the driving unit M are disposed. In addition, the apparatus400 e may include a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts a pressure inthe chamber. The pressure adjustment unit may maintain a pressure in thechamber in a vacuum state when the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e are laminated. In addition, the pressure adjustment unitmay restore and maintain a pressure in the chamber in an atmosphericpressure state after the process is completed.

Accordingly, the apparatus 400 e may manufacture any type of displaydevice 300 e. In addition, the apparatus 400 e may reduce or minimize aproduct defect rate by effectively removing vapors or preventing vaporsfrom being generated between the cover window 310 e and the panel member390 e when the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e arelaminated.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 500 e formanufacturing the display device 300 e of FIG. 34 , according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 36 , the apparatus 500 e includes a first jig 510 e, asecond jig 520 e, a driving unit M, a fixing unit (for example, firstfixing unit 530 e), and a cushion unit 590 e. In this case, the firstjig 510 e, the second jig 520 e, the driving unit M, the fixing unit,and the cushion unit 590 e are substantially the same as those describedabove, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 515 e and a seconddriving unit 525 e, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit530 e. In this case, the first driving unit 515 e, the second drivingunit 525 e, and the first fixing unit 530 e are substantially the sameas those described above, and thus a detailed description thereof willnot be repeated.

The apparatus 500 e includes a clamping unit 550 e that is spaced apartby a set or predetermined interval from at least one of the first jig510 e or the second jig 520 e, and supports the panel member 390 e. Forconvenience of description, however, it will be assumed that theclamping unit 550 e is disposed adjacent to the second jig 520 e.

The clamping unit 550 e may support the panel member 390 e when one endof the panel member 390 e is inserted into the clamping unit 550 e. Aplurality of the clamping units 550 e may be provided, where a distanceS7 between the clamping units 550 e is less than a length or a width ofthe panel member 390 e. The panel member 390 e may include at least oneof the display panel 330 e or the TSP 340 e as described above. Forconvenience of description, it will be assumed that the distance S7between the plurality of clamping units 550 e is less than a width ofthe panel member 390 e and the panel member 390 e includes the displaypanel 330 e and the TSP 340 e.

In particular, the plurality of clamping units 550 e face respectiveside surfaces of the second jig 520 e, and fix both ends of the displaypanel 330 e, the second adhesive layer 350 e, the TSP 340 e, and thefirst adhesive layer 320 e. The plurality of clamping units 550 includea first clamping unit 551 e and a second clamping unit 552 e that arespaced apart by a set or predetermined interval from each other.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 e may rapidly and easily manufacture thedisplay device 300 e having a curved surface and a simple structure. Inaddition, since the apparatus 500 e may accurately attach the coverwindow 310 e having a curved surface to the panel member 390 e, aproduct defect rate may be reduced or minimized.

In particular, since the apparatus 500 e includes the clamping unit 550e to accurately align the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e,working efficiency may be improved.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 e by using theapparatus 500 e will now be described.

The cover window 310 e may be formed as described above, the displaypanel 330 e may be formed, and then the TSP 340 e and the display panel330 e may be adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 e. The coverwindow 310 e may be mounted on the first jig 510 e as described above.

When the process is completed, the first adhesive layer 320 e may beformed on the TSP 340 e, which may then be fixed to the first clampingunit 551 e and the second clamping unit 552 e. A method of fixing theTSP 340 e may include inserting and fixing both ends of the TSP 340 einto insertion grooves formed in the first clamping unit 551 e and thesecond clamping unit 552 e as described above.

Once the display panel 330 e, the second adhesive layer 350 e, the TSP340 e, and the first adhesive layer 320 e are fixed in this manner,portions of the display panel 330 e, the second adhesive layer 350 e,the TSP 340 e, and the first adhesive layer 320 e may protrude towardthe first jig 510 e or the second jig 520 e. In further detail, sincethe distance S7 between the first clamping unit 551 e and the secondclamping unit 552 e is less than a width or a length of at least one ofthe display panel 330 e or the TSP 340 e, the portions may protrudetoward the second jig 520 e or protrude toward the first jig 510 e.However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed that oneportion of the panel member 390 e protrudes toward the second jig 520 e.

When the display panel 330 e, the second adhesive layer 350 e, the TSP340 e, and the first adhesive layer 320 e are fixed, the first adhesivelayer 320 e and the cover window 310 e may be compressed against eachother by moving at least one of the first jig 510 e or the second jig520 e. For convenience of description, it will be assumed that the firstadhesive layer 320 e and the cover window 310 e are compressed by movingboth the first jig 510 e and the second jig 520 e.

When the first jig 510 e and the second jig 520 e move, the firstdriving unit 515 e and the second driving unit 525 e may operate to movethe first jig 510 e and the second jig 520 e closer to each other.

A protruding portion of the cover window 310 e first contacts the firstadhesive layer 320 e. When the first jig 510 e and the second jig 520 econtinuously move, the cover window 310 e and the first adhesive layer320 e may be laminated beginning from a contact portion between thecover window 310 e and the first adhesive layer 320 e toward both endportions.

In particular, when the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 econtact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 510 e andthe second jig 520 e compress the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e may bereduced, and the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 e and the panel member390 e are attached to each other, the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

A first cushion unit 593 e and a second cushion unit 591 e may uniformlydistribute a force applied to the panel member 390 e and the coverwindow 310 e when the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e arecompressed and laminated.

Accordingly, the apparatus 500 e may rapidly and accurately manufacturethe display device 300 e having a curved surface. In particular, theapparatus 500 e may reduce or minimize a product defect rate byaccurately attaching the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 ehaving a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 500 e may improve product quality by removingair bubbles that may be generated (or preventing air bubbles from beinggenerated) when the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e arecompressed.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 600 e formanufacturing the display device 300 e of FIG. 34 , according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 37 , the apparatus 600 e includes a first jig 610 e, asecond jig 620 e, a driving unit M, a clamping unit 650 e, a fixing unit(for example, first fixing unit 630 e), a cushion unit 690 e, and alinear moving unit L. The first jig 610 e, the second jig 620 e, thedriving unit, the clamping unit 650 e, the fixing unit, and the cushionunit 690 e may be substantially the same as those described above, andthus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 615 e and a seconddriving unit 625 e, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit630 e. The first driving unit 615 e, the second driving unit 625 e, andthe first fixing unit 630 e may be substantially the same as thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

The clamping unit 650 e may include a first clamping unit 651 e and asecond clamping unit 652 e. The first clamping unit 651 e and the secondclamping unit 652 e may be substantially the same as those describedabove, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The linear moving unit L may include a first linear driving unit 660 eand a second linear driving unit 670 e that respectively vertically movethe first clamping unit 651 e and the second clamping unit 652 e. Inthis case, the first linear driving unit 660 e and the second lineardriving unit 670 e are formed similarly, and thus the followingdescription will focus on the first linear driving unit 660 e.

The first linear driving unit 660 e may include a first shaft 661 e thatis connected to the first clamping unit 651 e and linearly moves thefirst clamping unit 651 e. In addition, the first linear driving unit660 e may include a first driving module 665 e that drives the firstshaft 661 e. The first driving module 665 e may be formed to include acylinder or a motor. However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that the first driving module 665 e includes a motor. Inaddition, it will be assumed that the first shaft 661 e includes a ballscrew that is raised and lowered as the first driving module 665 erotates.

The first linear driving unit 660 e may include a first elastic unit 663e that surrounds the first shaft 661 e. The first elastic unit 663 e mayinclude a compression spring, or may be formed of an elastic materialsuch as rubber. However, for convenience of description, it will beassumed that the first elastic unit 663 e includes a compression spring.

The first elastic unit 663 e may be disposed to surround an outersurface of the first shaft 661 e as described above, and thus mayprovide a restoring force to the first clamping unit 651 e when thefirst clamping unit 651 e moves.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 e by using theapparatus 600 e will now be described. First, the cover window 310 e andthe panel member 390 e may be manufactured and prepared. The panelmember 390 e may include at least one of the display panel 330 e or theTSP 340 e. However, for convenience of description, it will be assumedthat the panel member 390 e includes the display panel 330 e and the TSP340 e.

The display panel 330 e and the TSP 340 e prepared as described abovemay be attached by using the second adhesive layer 350 e, and then thefirst adhesive layer 320 e may be formed on the TSP 340 e. In this case,both ends of the display panel 330 e and the TSP 340 e on which thefirst adhesive layer 320 e is formed may be fixed to the first clampingunit 651 e and the second clamping unit 652 e.

When the panel member 390 e is fixed to the first clamping unit 651 eand the second clamping unit 652 e as described above, a portion of thepanel member 390 e may protrude toward the second jig 620 e or mayprotrude toward the first jig 610 e. In further detail, since a distanceS8 between the first clamping unit 651 e and the second clamping unit652 e is less than a width or a length of the panel member 390 e, aportion of the panel member 390 e may protrude toward the second jig 620e or protrude toward the first jig 610 e. In this case, for convenienceof description, it will be assumed that the distance S8 between thefirst clamping unit 651 e and the second clamping unit 652 e is lessthan a width of the panel member 390 e and a portion of the panel member390 e protrudes toward the second jig 620 e.

When the panel member 390 e is disposed as described above, the panelmember 390 e and the cover window 310 e may be compressed against eachother by moving at least one of the first jig 610 e or the second jig620 e. However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed thatthe panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e are compressed againsteach other by moving both the first jig 610 e and the second jig 620 e.

When the first jig 610 e and the second jig 620 e move as describedabove, the first linear driving unit 660 e and the second linear drivingunit 670 e may operate to vertically move the first clamping unit 651 eand the second clamping unit 652 e. In particular, the first clampingunit 651 e and the second clamping unit 652 e may move at a speedsimilar to a speed at which the second jig 620 e moves.

When the first clamping unit 651 e and the second clamping unit 652 eare raised as described above, the panel member 390 e may be raisedwhile maintaining its curved state. When a distance between the firstjig 610 e and the second jig 620 e reaches a set or predetermineddistance, the first clamping unit 651 e and the second clamping unit 652e may release the panel member 390 e.

In particular, after the first clamping unit 651 e and the secondclamping unit 652 e operate as described above, the first linear drivingunit 660 e and the second linear driving unit 670 e may operate to lowerthe first clamping unit 651 e and the second clamping unit 652 e.

After that, the first driving unit 615 e and the second driving unit 625e may continuously operate to make the first jig 610 e and the secondjig 620 e get closer to each other. In particular, as the first jig 610e and the second jig 620 e get closer to each other, the panel member390 e and the cover window 310 e may be compressed. In this case, amethod of compressing the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 eis performed in the same manner as that described above, and thus adetailed description thereof will not be repeated.

In particular, when the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 econtact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 610 e andthe second jig 620 e compress the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e may bereduced, and the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 e and the panel member390 e are attached to each other, the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

A first cushion unit 693 e and a second cushion unit 691 e may uniformlydistribute a force applied to the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e when the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e arecompressed and laminated.

Accordingly, the apparatus 600 e may rapidly and accurately manufacturethe display device 300 e having a curved surface. In particular, theapparatus 600 e may reduce or minimize a product defect rate byaccurately attaching the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 ehaving a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 600 e may improve product quality by removingair bubbles that may be generated (or preventing air bubbles from beinggenerated) when the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e arecompressed.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus 700 e formanufacturing the display device 300 e of FIG. 34 , according to stillyet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 38 , the apparatus 700 e may include a first jig 710e, a second jig 720 e, a driving unit M, a clamping unit 750 e, a fixingunit (for example, first fixing unit 730 e), a linear driving unit L,and a cushion unit 790 e (including a first cushion unit 793 e and asecond cushion unit 791 e). The first jig 710 e and the second jig 720 emay be substantially the same as those described above, and thus adetailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The driving unit M may include a first driving unit 715 e and a seconddriving unit 725 e, and the fixing unit may include a first fixing unit730 e. The first driving unit 715 e, the second driving unit 725 e, andthe first fixing unit 730 e may be substantially the same as thosedescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

In addition, the clamping unit 750 e may include a first clamping unit751 e and a second clamping unit 752 e. The first clamping unit 751 eand the second clamping unit 752 e may be substantially the same asthose described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will notbe repeated.

The linear driving unit L may include a first linear driving unit 760 eand a second linear driving unit 770 e, and the first linear drivingunit 760 e and the second linear driving unit 770 e may linearly movethe first clamping unit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 e,respectively. In particular, the first linear driving unit 760 e and thesecond linear driving unit 770 e may linearly move the first clampingunit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 e in a diagonal direction.Since the second linear driving unit 770 e may be formed similarly tothe first linear driving unit 760 e, the following description willfocus on the first linear driving unit 760 e.

In further detail, the first linear driving unit 760 e may include afirst shaft 761 e, a first driving module 765 e, and a first elasticunit 763 e. The first shaft 761 e, the first driving module 765 e, andthe first elastic unit 763 e may be formed in a similar manner to thosedescribed above except that the first shaft 761 e is disposed in adiagonal direction to diagonally move the first clamping unit 751 e.

In particular, when the first linear driving unit 760 e operates, thefirst driving module 765 e may vary a length of the first shaft 761 e.Since the first driving module 765 e and the first shaft 761 e arediagonally disposed with respect to the second jig 720 e as describedabove, the first clamping unit 751 e may be diagonally moved by varyingthe movement of the first shaft 761 e.

For example, when the first driving module 765 e operates to diagonallymove the first shaft 761 e downward with respect to the second jig 720e, the first clamping unit 751 e may diagonally move downward withrespect to the second jig 720 e as the first shaft 761 e moves.

When the first driving module 765 e operates in an opposite direction todiagonally move the first shaft 761 e upward with respect to the secondjig 720 e, the first clamping unit 751 e may diagonally move upward withrespect to the second jig 720 e as the first shaft 761 e moves.

The first shaft 761 e may include a ball screw as described above andthus may rotate as the first driving module 765 e operates. Inparticular, the first shaft 761 e may diagonally move downward or upwardwith respect to the second jig 720 e as the first driving module 765 erotates.

A method of manufacturing the display device 300 e may be similar tothat described above. In further detail, the panel member 390 e and thecover window 310 e may be manufactured and prepared. The panel member390 e may include the display panel 330 e and the TSP 340 e as describedabove. However, for convenience of description, it will be assumed thatthe panel member 390 e includes both the display panel 330 e and the TSP340 e.

When the display panel 330 e and the TSP 340 e are completelymanufactured as described above, the display panel 330 e and the TSP 340e may be adhered by using the second adhesive layer 350 e, and the firstadhesive layer 320 e may be coated on the TSP 340 e.

The panel member 390 e manufactured as described above may be fixed bythe first clamping unit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 e. Whenthe fixing is completed, the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310e may be compressed against each other by moving at least one of thefirst jig 710 e or the second jig 720 e. A method of compressing thepanel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e may be similar to thatdescribed above, and thus a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

When the first jig 710 e and the second jig 720 e move in this manner,the first clamping unit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 e mayalso move. In particular, the first clamping unit 751 e and the secondclamping unit 752 e may be diagonally moved by the first linear drivingunit 760 e and the second linear driving unit 770 e, respectively. Thefirst clamping unit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 e may beraised diagonally.

When the first clamping unit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 eare raised and then an interval between the first jig 710 e and thesecond jig 720 e reaches a preset interval, both ends of the panelmember 390 e may be released.

After the releasing of the first clamping unit 751 e and the secondclamping unit 752 e as described above, the first linear driving unit760 e and the second linear driving unit 770 e may operate to lower thefirst clamping unit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 e. The firstclamping unit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 e may be lowereddiagonally.

While the first clamping unit 751 e and the second clamping unit 752 eare lowered, the first jig 710 e and the second jig 720 e may get closerto each other to compress the panel member 390 e and the cover window310 e. In this case, a method of adhering the panel member 390 e and thecover window 310 e through compression may be similar to that describedabove.

When the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e are compressed bymoving the first jig 710 e and the second jig 720 e as described above,the first cushion unit 793 e and the second cushion unit 791 e maydistribute a force applied to the panel member 390 e and the coverwindow 310 e. In addition, the first cushion unit 793 e and the secondcushion unit 791 e may help prevent the panel member 390 e or the coverwindow 310 e from being damaged by absorbing part of a force applied tothe panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 e.

In particular, when the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 econtact each other, a load range applied when the first jig 710 e andthe second jig 720 e compress the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e may be greater than or equal to 0.3 MPa and less than orequal to 0.5 MPa. When the load range is less than 0.3 MPa, an adhesiveforce between the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e may bereduced, and the cover window 310 e and the panel member 390 e may bedelaminated and separated from each other. In addition, when the loadrange exceeds 0.5 MPa and the cover window 310 e and the panel member390 e are attached to each other, the cover window 310 e and the panelmember 390 e may be damaged, thereby reducing quality and reliability.

Accordingly, the apparatus 700 e may rapidly and accurately manufacturethe display device 300 e having a curved surface. In particular, theapparatus 700 e may reduce or minimize a product defect rate byaccurately attaching the panel member 390 e and the cover window 310 ehaving a curved surface.

In addition, the apparatus 700 e may improve quality by removing airbubbles or preventing air bubbles from being generated when the displaypanel 330 e and the panel member 390 e are compressed. This applicationrelates in general to a display device and more particularly, to adisplay device and a corresponding method and apparatus formanufacturing the display device that may rapidly, accurately, andcleanly manufacture the display device having a curved shape. Smallelectronic devices having curved display devices have presentedchallenges in accurately forming and aligning their corresponding coverwindows (for example, transparent protective covers) and display panels(such as OLED display panels or flexible OLED display panels), andadhering the cover windows to the display panels via transparentadhesive without quality defects such as air bubbles between the coverwindows and the display panels.

Embodiments of the present invention address these problems by providinga display device having a curved cover window, a display panel and/ortouch screen panel (TSP) that fits in the cover window, and an adhesivelayer between the display device and the cover window, together with anapparatus and method for manufacturing the display device. The coverwindow is fabricated with a curved shape (such as rounded edges, inwardor outward) and mounted on a first jig having a mount surface thatconforms to the cover window. For example, the cover window may sit inthe first jig (through gravity) or attach to the first jig via a fixingunit, such as a vacuum suction device. Meanwhile, the display panel (towhich the adhesive layer is attached), is attached to a second jig bysimilar means. The distance between the jigs is then closed (by movingone or both jigs towards the other using, for example, driving units),allowing the display panel to press up to the cover window and adherevia the adhesive layer, and without forming air bubbles between thecover window and the display panel.

In another embodiment, the display panel may be attached to a clampunit, such as a pair of clamps, and bent through a clamping force tomate cleanly with the cover window when the jigs are moved towards eachother. The clamps may be moved via dedicated driving units (for example,which drive ball screws through rotational movement to move the clamps)independently of the jigs, and may move, for example vertically ordiagonally with respect to the jigs (and with respect to a gravitydirection).

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the following claims, andequivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a separately formedcover window comprising a planar flat central portion and a curvedperipheral portion extending from the planar flat central portion; apanel member having a first panel portion on the planar flat centralportion of the cover window, and a curved second panel portion extendingin a curved shape from the first panel portion and being on the curvedperipheral portion of the cover window, and comprising a display panel;and an adhesive layer between the panel member and the cover window, andhaving a first adhesive portion on the planar flat central portion ofthe cover window, and a curved second adhesive portion extending in acurved shape from the first adhesive portion and being on the curvedperipheral portion of the cover window, wherein the display panelcomprises: a first substrate; a plurality of organic light emittingdiodes on the first substrate; and an encapsulation unit on the organiclight emitting diodes for encapsulating the plurality of organic lightemitting diodes, wherein the panel member is smaller in at least one ofa length or a width than the cover window, wherein an edge of the curvedperipheral portion protrudes more than an edge of the curved secondpanel portion in a direction that is tangential to the edge of thecurved second panel portion at the edge of the curved second panelportion, wherein the adhesive layer is same in at least one of a lengthor a width as the panel member, or is smaller in at least one of thelength or the width than the panel member, wherein the edge of thecurved peripheral portion protrudes more than an edge of the curvedsecond adhesive portion in a direction that is tangential to the edge ofthe curved second adhesive portion at the edge of the curved secondadhesive portion, wherein the edge of the curved second adhesive portionand a corresponding edge of the panel member overlap with each other,wherein the edge of the curved second adhesive portion is adjacent to agap, wherein the corresponding edge of the panel member and acorresponding end of the cover window are not arranged to overlap witheach other, and wherein the corresponding edge of the panel member is ona surface of the curved peripheral portion of the cover window, and isarranged to expose an end of the curved peripheral portion of the coverwindow.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the panel member isentirely on the planar flat central portion.
 3. The display device ofclaim 1, wherein the curved peripheral portion comprises a plurality ofcurved peripheral portions.
 4. The display device of claim 1, whereinthe cover window further having an outer surface facing a viewing sideof the display device for displaying images to a user, wherein the edgeof the curved second panel portion is closer to the outer surface of thedisplay device than the edge of the curved peripheral portion.
 5. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein the display panel further comprises ahalogenated metal layer between a light-emitting unit comprising one ofthe organic light emitting diodes, and an inorganic layer of theencapsulation unit.
 6. A display device comprising: a separately formedcover window that is entirely curved in one of longitudinal direction orwidth direction of the cover window, the cover window having a curvedsurface having a curvature radius, the cover window further having anouter surface facing a viewing side of the display device for displayingimages to a user, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface; apanel member on the inner surface of the cover window comprising aflexible display panel having a curved surface having a curvatureradius; and an adhesive layer between the panel member and the coverwindow, wherein the adhesive layer has a curved surface having acurvature radius, wherein the display panel comprises: a firstsubstrate; a plurality of organic light emitting diodes on the firstsubstrate; and an encapsulation unit on the organic light emittingdiodes for encapsulating the plurality of organic light emitting diodes,wherein the panel member is smaller in at least one of a length or awidth than the cover window, wherein an edge of the curved surface ofthe cover window protrudes more than an edge of the curved surface ofthe display panel in a direction that is tangential to the edge of thecurved surface of the display panel at the edge of the curved surface ofthe display panel, wherein the edge of the curved surface of the coverwindow protrudes more than an edge of the curved surface of the adhesivelayer in a direction that is tangential to the edge of the curvedsurface of the adhesive layer at the edge of the curved surface of theadhesive layer, wherein the edge of the curved surface of the adhesivelayer and a corresponding edge of the panel member overlap with eachother, wherein the edge of the curved surface of the adhesive layer isadjacent to a gap, wherein the corresponding edge of the panel memberand a corresponding end of the cover window are not arranged to overlapwith each other, and wherein the corresponding edge of the panel memberis on a curved portion of the cover window, and is arranged to expose anend of the curved portion of the cover window.
 7. The display device ofclaim 6, wherein the curvature radius of a portion of the cover windowis different from a curvature radius of another portion of the coverwindow.
 8. The display device of claim 6, wherein the panel member is ona protruding said inner surface of the cover window.
 9. The displaydevice of claim 6, wherein the panel member is flexible.
 10. A displaydevice comprising: a cover window that is entirely curved in one oflongitudinal direction or width direction of the cover window, the coverwindow having a curved surface having a curvature radius, the coverwindow further having an outer surface facing a viewing side of thedisplay device for displaying images to a user, and an inner surfaceopposite the outer surface; a panel member on the inner surface of thecover window comprising a flexible display panel having a curved surfacehaving a curvature radius; and an adhesive layer between the panelmember and the cover window, wherein the adhesive layer has a curvedsurface having a curvature radius, wherein the display panel comprises:a first substrate; a plurality of organic light emitting diodes on thefirst substrate; and an encapsulation unit on the organic light emittingdiodes for encapsulating the plurality of organic light emitting diodes,wherein the panel member is smaller in at least one of a length or awidth than the cover window, wherein an edge of the curved surface ofthe cover window protrudes more than an edge of the curved surface ofthe display panel in a direction that is tangential to the edge of thecurved surface of the display panel at the edge of the curved surface ofthe display panel, wherein the adhesive layer is same in at least one ofa length or a width as the panel member, or is smaller in at least oneof the length or the width than the panel member, wherein the edge ofthe curved surface of the cover window protrudes more than an edge ofthe curved surface of the adhesive layer in a direction that istangential to the edge of the curved surface of the adhesive layer atthe edge of the curved surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the edgeof the curved surface of the adhesive layer and a corresponding edge ofthe panel member overlap with each other, wherein the edge of the curvedsurface of the adhesive layer is adjacent to a gap, wherein thecorresponding edge of the panel member and a corresponding end of thecover window are not arranged to overlap with each other, and whereinthe corresponding edge of the panel member is on a curved portion of thecover window, and is arranged to expose an end of the curved portion ofthe cover window.
 11. The display device of claim 10, wherein thecurvature radius of a portion of the cover window is different from acurvature radius of another portion of the cover window.